Brighton half race report by Sam Morfee

Brighton half marathon is a little hilly in places but a great course. This year was a nice sunny day with no wind and so a good chance of getting a PB..
I decided to go by train as I knew that the walk down from the station would be a good stretch to walk to bag drop before the run.
Getting in the start pens I was in the 2 hour to 2 hr 15 mins slot, so behind what I had actually planned to as I took my friend's place. I started off and it was quite busy and trying to get passed the 2 hour pacer so it took me to after 10k point to get passed him. Once I’d managed to get passed I then plodded on with good stride and kept the pace that I had wanted from the start, so I knew I was in for a PB at Brighton if I continued steadily.

The run starts at Maderia drive before turning right towards Ovingdean where you get great views of the cliff tops before heading back on yourself towards the Palace Pier. Then the race heads north and goes up past the Royal Pavilion and round and back down to the seafront again. Mile 7 you hit the Grand Hotel where there are loads of supporters cheering you on, which helps keeping you motivated. Turning at Hove lagoon, you know it’s only a park run back to the finish line and that was when I knew I could get my PB if I carried on.
Once I was on the home stretch I focused on the finish line to get this PB of which finished at 1 hr 55 mins and 15 seconds which I was pleased about. The post run massage was gratefully received and then I walked back to the station to catch the train home.

Super run and next year I will enter again and get another PB I hope.

Report by Sarah Richards

​Worthing half marathon is a flat fairly fast course, which is great if you are chasing a PB, although this of course all depends on the weather. Worthing is notoriously nicknamed windy Worthing and it certainly lived up to its name for the half marathon! The weather was fairly cold, drizzly and windy, which didn’t exactly entice the runners on this Sunday morning in February.

On the bright side, the location was incredibly easy to get to, particularly if you are a local Worthing resident. There is plenty of free parking about a mile away from the town centre which is especially good if you want to do a little warmup jog before you start the race. It all seemed really well organised, apart from the baggage drop at the Pavilion. Definitely avoid taking baggage with you as it was organised chaos. No baggage labels, literally a drop and hope your kit was still in the same place you left it when you returned!

The race started at 9am and both the 10km race and the half marathon started at the same time. Both races followed the same route, weaving in and out of the roads around the town centre. It then headed west toward Ferring, while the 10km race headed back towards the finish by the pier.

Running against the headwind was pretty tough, a race where you definitely need to pace yourself to ensure you have enough left in the tank to get you out to Goring gap where the scenery is pretty stunning.  This always helps to get you through, especially when fighting against the wind.

The last stretch of the race takes you back east for the final couple of miles to the finish, with at last the wind behind you, to retrieve a well deserved medal. This year it doubled up as a very handy bottle opener which was definitely a bonus! A race that really can’t be missed, especially as it is literally on your doorstep. No doubt we’ll be back next year to beat this year’s time......

Report from Keith Fowler

​Representation for Worthing overall was low.  Perhaps the Worthing half had something to do with it..or the mud, but 1 Harrier, 1 Goring, 1 Run Academy and 2 Striders took part in the men's senior race.  No need dusting off the club tent or flag at this meeting.  It was a case of spikes on, warm up and then race.  The route, 4 laps with slightly different routes each time, took us up hills, through woods, over mud and into the wind.  The sun came out too - ideal xc conditions.    Results on the day:

Steve Fryer     35.03 minutes          
Keith Fowler   36.08 minutes

Finishing 7th in Division 3 for the race and 9th overall for the series.

​On Sunday 3rd February, in what can only be described as artic but beautiful (bitterly cold but sunny and no wind), 14 Striders went to Arundel to complete the four mile run organised by Cancer United for Out Run Cancer.
After attempting to warm up, the gun went (or more precisely someone shouted ready steady go) and we set off down Mill road with Arundel Castle nestling behind and fantastic views of Swanbourne lake. With a field of just 127 runners, the race was small but friendly, enabled cheery companionship but also allowed for space and a sense of tranquillity in beautiful surroundings. 
The first hill came in as we approached the Black Rabbit pub (usually a pit stop) and from here we climbed up to 135ft – an undulating course with spectacular views across the River Arun. Towards the end of mile two, we ran down a lovely hill into the village of South Stoke only to turn around and run straight back up it again. However, there was water on hand and cheers of support from the friendly marshals. 
The last mile of the course is flat and follows an exhilarating downhill. The run to the finish line as you come over the bridge by Swanbourne Lake is amazing. The beauty of Arundel with closed roads and a small crowd can’t be beaten.
To top off what was a thoroughly enjoyable running experience, Chris Lacey came in 4th place (29.42) and both Steve Feest and Mike Osman came in the top 10. Jo Turner was the second lady across the line (33.38) and all of our striders ran brilliantly. This race wasn’t about times and winners or losers, it was about showing our support for all those affected by Cancer and I think I can say, we did them proud!

Striders showed a good turn out for the event with 21 runners taking part in this years event. Not the easiest of courses with a route of 5 miles in total  up to the top of Cissbury ring and back. At least the competitors were  blessed with a bright sunny winters day. The runners are listed below along with their position and time, 466 runners completed the race.

 48th            Keith Fowler             38.06
55th            Steve Fryer                 38.33
75th           Chris Lacy                    40.08
133th         Steve Feest                 43.41
135th         Paul Hurley                43.46
138th         John  Turley               43.55
 164th        Joe Davis                     45.26
202th         Jo Turner                     48.34
206th        Tony Pearce                48.46
220th        Neil Pawter                49.24
227th        Laura Paskin              49.43
228th        Natasha Sparkes     49.44
229th        Paul Durrant              49.45
236th       Carla Tullett                50.17
241th       Sean Carter                 50.35
267th       Helen Black                53.40
268th      Craig Hawkins           53.40
317th      Vikki Dawe                  58.22
328th      Pete Jenkins               59.12
337th     Sarah Lloyd                 60.34
367th     Myra  Jasper              67.24

The calendar for the race date for 2019 get them in your dairy 
​ 

Steve Feest and Paul Hurley attended the fun run league AGM and Steve has done this write up on how we did thid year.

We improved our position in the League to 13th  ...   (last year we were 16th).
Going up 3 places in the League is a fantastic achievement, what can we do in 2019?
We had an improvement in “points per race” in all but 4 of the races, one being the “Hangover 5” on New Year’s Day … let’s see if we can get a few more out for this race in 2019, although it’s perfectly understandable if you can’t make it!!!     Don’t forget you get points for turning up 
Another race where our numbers were down was the new “Great Walstead 5” in October.       Those that took part say this was one of the most scenic, pleasurable runs wit ample parking; maybe another to put on your target list for 2019?
In the meantime thanks go to Paul Hurley for co-ordinating our entries, racing in each race AND getting the T-shirt!
For more information and all the facts and figures please go to the WSFRL website.
The new 2109 fixture list is due out shortly, we’ll keep you informed.


Background: 
“West Sussex Fun Run League” (WSFRL) events started in 1983 and take place at locations over the County.    They are run by local running clubs with the emphasis on “fun” in all the races!
The WSFRL is currently made up of 18 member clubs from around Sussex.
The races are between 5km and 10km and cost just £3 to enter. 
Each club holds an annual event which is open to any runner regardless of whether they are affiliated to the league.      A lot of the races are run over the stunning South Downs National Park.
Runners from member clubs are awarded points for participation as well as position. 
Clubs accrue points over the year and compete for the Norman Crook Memorial Trophy.

This years dinner was held at the Vardar club in Littlehampton who did us proud with a good meal well stocked bar and a disco with even the most reluctant dancers cutting a rug. The evening went well and the secret Santa proved a fantastic source of comedy.
After the meal was the draw for the London marathon place. This year it was decided by the runners in the draw  there would be no draw and that the place would be given to Sarah Richards who is raising money for the Royal Brompton hospital who have been involved with the screening of her son Reggie following the tragic loss of her other son Max earlier this year . We wish Sarah well in her training and hope she enjoys the race and is able to raise a lot of money on the way we are all behind her. Samantha Morfee was drawn as the reserve runner.
A big thank you to Mary Crabb for all her hard work and time in putting on the event and making it a great night.

The second cross country had a change of venue from lancing manor leisure  centre to Stanmer Park and followed the same course as the first event . 
Striders fielded a ladies and mens  team on what was a very difficult day for running horrible drizzle and very muddy and slippery underfoot .  The ladies did two laps one small loop and one large loop with the gents doing one small and two large laps with a lot of climbing my Strava counted 751 feet in 5miles .

 Saturday 8th December is our Strider's Christmas Meal at the Vardar in Littlehampton. For all those that attending, it has been agreed that we should all purchase a unisex gift up to the value of £5 that we can add to Santa's sack. Everyone attending the meal will then have an opportunity to choose a gift from the sack at some point in the evening - fun and creative gifts very welcome!

We are also hosting a Christmas raffle this year and will be selling tickets at both the Christmas Meal and our festive running evening on the Thursday 13th December (information below). The raffle and the festive running evening will be to raise money for the Royal Brompton & Harefield Trust Charity. This is a charity that has been chosen by Sarah Richards in memory of her Son Max who sadly died earlier this year. We would like to raise as much money as possible for this fantastic cause and to let Sarah, her husband Jamie and other Son, Reggie know how much we have thought about them during this incredibly difficult time.

Sarah said about the charity 'The Royal Brompton have really helped us with screening of Reggie and also in finding out the true cause of Max’s death. Without them we would still not really know what happened. A gene was responsible and Jamie & I were both carriers. With their ground breaking research we would not know this. They also do amazing work in treating people with heart & lung problems.'

Please join in showing your support and giving generously. If anyone is able to donate a raffle prize, we would be very grateful.

So, on to the festive running evening. On Thursday 14th December, we will be inviting all members to run in festive wear and contribute £3 each on the evening for our chosen charity. We will then be holding a 'Christmas jumper' drinking session in the bar. Everyone is welcome. We will be drawing the raffle on this evening.

Rebecca Kipping completed the New Forest Stinger on the November 4TH 2018 and sent in this race report. Well done Becky


​The New Forest Stinger is a scenic trail run through the new forest, held by Totton Running Club. There are 2 race options, 5 mile and 10 mile. And was a very reasonable £14. I completed the 10 mile and can honestly say it was one of the best races I have ever done! And certainly the best 10 miler.

Firstly the course is set in the beautiful and scenic new forest, no tarmac in site! The terrain was mixed, including footpaths, grassland, cycle tracks and a mini ford (!) Definitely a bit more rustic than the larger new forest runs I have done. I would recommend trail shoes, though saying that I ran in my road trainers and didn't have a problem. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a flat run!! There are a few challenging hills, not to mention the final kilometre which is uphill all the way. However, after a few training runs up Adur avenue or highdown and you will breeze up them.

Secondly, the race was so well organised. Hats off to Totton Running Club, they obviously planned it well despite the weather. There were lots of well placed Marshals so there was no chance of running off route and water stops were at the right places. The rain stopped me hanging around for long at the end but there was a coffee and jacket potato van and merchandise stall at the end as well as plenty of parking.

Finally the bling! It was awesome! It come in a little goodie bag with some sweets and flyers for local services.

Would I do this run again? Definitely. 10/10. I spoke to the organisers after, who said this was the first year they sold out, with no on the day entries and expect to do again in 2019.

Report from Bentia Fryer  

​Our first Striders cross county outing for 2018 started with a very rainy forecast! On arrival to Stanmer Park armed with coffee and cake the weather was being kind which pleased us all as we appeared to be the only club without a nice cosy tent.
Things got even better when the 4 members running from the Portslade Hedgehoppers asked to share our flag if they lent us space in their little tent. It may have been the tiniest tent there (even our flag was bigger) but it provided our bags shelter if the rain arrived we promised them cake as a thank you after the run.
Our team of 5 ladies set off at 1405hrs thankfully still in dry conditions. One thing became clear quite quickly never believe anything you are told by other runners whilst waiting in the toilet queue. ‘It’s only one long hill climb’ was obviously a little white lie as I started the second lap knowing what laid ahead, the same long hill climb!!!! 
The relief of reaching the top again was short lived as we reached the downhill section to be told we would be turning right not left like the first lap and we faced another hill climb. I sulked a lot up this hill!! At the top it was all downhill, hooray my legs were moving again albeit carefully as this section was uneven ground covered in leaves disguising any tree roots etc.
As I approached the marshals on the final turn point out of the woods my run buddy had a nasty fall resulting in a twisted ankle. I stopped to assist but was soon told to get on and finish by her and the marshals. I left with a promise to return with assistance.
Finishing was a lovely experience a nice downhill  followed by a flat section mingling in with all the men who had started at 1435hrs and were now approaching their second lap. Despite a few of our male runners dropping out before the race we managed to recruit 3  fast men.
As they approached their final lap Pete was in front followed closely by Steve and Alistair. Despite the gruelling course and the hills (they had an even bigger climb then the ladies) they all completed the race and were happy with the results .
Our lovely Ali who fell was given a lift back by a lovely Paramedic who had seen myself and Anita supporting her either side to get back to our little camp. Thankfully she is ok and with a bit of rest should be fighting fit in a few weeks.
This was a very well organised event with plenty of porta loos (always important), a cake stall and an easy system to register and collect your numbers. Our results were the ladies team 28th out of 38 and the men 26th out of 49 so a good start despite our team numbers. 
I look forward to the next race at Lancing when hopefully we will have some extra team members and a nice cosy tent/shelter too!!!

Tim McGrath did Gosport Half Marathon on 18th Nov 2018 , here is his race report.

This the second time I have done Gosport half I wasn’t too keen but got talked into it . To my delight the course has changed a lot since 2013 and for the better . It was a beautiful if chilli day and the course goes along the prom and back along the bottom my the water was very pleasant with the sun shinny if the water ( on a wet windy day maybe a different story) the course was two of these 6.5 mile laps which are basically flat so potentially a fast course.
The race office was in a school near the start , with toilets changing area and bag drop with very reasonably priced tea and cake for after the race .
On completion of the race you got a nice medal and a very good goody bag . The race was only £18 for affiliated runners a real bargain.

Join the "Tangerine Tide" as Striders storm the Lancing *parkrun* in a sea of Orange on Saturday 8th December. 
        
** parkrun starts 9.00 am,  Perch Café, 
     Beach Green, Lancing seafront. 
** Cycling over?
      Meet at Worthing Pier,   8.15am.  
                                
**or parking in roads just back from       the seafront,   or Beach Green Car park,     adjacent,               £1.50 per day.

Sarah Richards did the poppy half marathon on 10.11.18 and sent in this race report.  Well done to Sarah.

​decided that I really wanted to run this race this year as it is 100 years since the WW1 armistice. With the proceeds going to the British Legion, this was enough inspiration to register for it. 
 
Race HQ was easy to find, located at the De La Warr Pavilion with plenty of free on-street parking on nearby residential roads. 
 
Typically I was running late, so I arrived there to pick up my race number with the queues having already disappeared! The baggage drop was also close by so all within easy reach of the start of the race. A last minute toilet stop and I was ready to go.
 
The start of the race was right outside the De La Warr Pavilion, where members of the armed forces were standing on a stage introducing the race and led everyone in singing the National Anthem which added to the atmosphere of the remembrance weekend. A two minute silence was observed just before the countdown to the start of the race and then everyone was off which proved to be a tough part of the race.
 
Although warm, the wind proved to be really strong and it felt like I was fighting against it all the way to the first turning point. A constant wind of around 20mph meant that after the first couple of miles I felt almost out of energy. I was relieved to head back eastwards with the wind behind me, hoping it would give me a push back the other way. 
 
The Poppy half marathon is two big laps and then one shorter lap to the finish which meant each time you had to head west you were up against the strength of the wind. At points along the promenade there was a light covering of shingle which proved tricky to negotiate in Cloud shoes, notorious for getting stones stuck in them! 
 
As laps go this wasn’t a bad race to do! Three long laps with the sea next to you helps you get in your zone. You can let your mind wander and gaze out to sea if need be! After the final turning point I was glad there was only a mile and a half to go. Exhausted after fighting against the wind, I headed back east towards the finish line. With a slight uphill sprint to the end I was done! 
 
I was ushered through the pens to a tent where i was handed my medal, a banana milkshake, water and also a choice of pic a mix sweets. Exactly what I needed!
 
The medal is one the best I have, really chunky and with the fact it is 100 years since the armistice marked on it, quite poignant. Definitely really pleased I ran this one for such a good cause and a really unique medal.
 

Well done to Keith Fowler on completing the NYC marathon

​From everything I had read about the race and everyone I had spoken to beforehand, I knew this was going to be a special run.  The moment the NYPD helicopters buzzed overhead, the national anthem finished and cannons fired to start I wasn't disappointed.
 
Pretty much the whole city came out to cheers the runners on.  The route was jam-packed with people cheering, high-fiving (not just the kids) and music every mile.  I’d heard a lot about the crowds on First Avenue, but for me, the neighbourhoods along the Brooklyn section had the best atmosphere.
 
I’m more used to running marathons in cities like London and Manchester or off road over the downs.  So the miles-long straight avenues with steam billowing up from the manholes, with no twists and turns gave a unique view on where you had been and where you had to get to.  The long straight sections were only really broken up by bridges. And as these bridges were the only place where the crowd couldn't access they were the only place where there wasn’t any cheering and shouts of ‘you got this’.  
 
The final few miles along Fifth Avenue, although on paper was only a gentle climb was brutal on tired legs.  I suffered, but the view of Central Park and my family cheering kept me going to the end.
 
It was a pretty hard marathon, what marathon isn’t.  I, without doubt, picked up a PB on the number of high fives during a marathon but struggled to speed the legs up in the final section. That’s two ticked off on the marathon majors list so far

Congratulations to Kevin Valentine, Liz Crockford and Sam Morfee for completing the Great South Run on Sunday.

Striders at the Roundhill Romp

Striders, together with friends and family, gathered at Goring Gap on Sunday 1st July for a handicap 10k race followed by a BBQ. In sweltering conditions the race was won by Dawn, pictured receiving her prize from Tim.  Also pictured are the runners who braved the hot conditions.  Thanks to Tim, who had the idea and did most of the organising for the event, and to the chefs Austin and Barrie.

Saturday 16th June 2018 saw the running of the 100th Worthing park run.  A number of Striders took part in the run and were rewarded with a meeting with Dame Kelly Holmes.

Anita completing the Cheltenham Challenge Half Marathon on Sunday 17th June.

Striders enjoyed a structured training session with Andy Ward, a qualified coach with the  Tuff Fitty Triathlon club, on Tuesday night.  All enjoyed the session and pushed themselves that little bit harder!  Thanks to Andy and to Steve for organising the evening.

Important Training Announcement
This Tuesday, 12th June, we will be happy to welcome back our guest 'Coach of the Month' Ironman triathlete and running coach, Andy Ward at the Lower Highdown Field, 6:45pm start. 
Please meet at the club at 6:30 pm as usual if you want to run over the hill as a group to the training area, or meet on the field.
Andy has previously attended a running seminar with Jon Bigg, an Elite runner and husband of GB Gold Medallist, Sally Gunnell.
Jon Bigg is also “Head of distance running” for England Athletics and has been involved with training Mo Farah in Addis Ababa.
This is a “bring a friend opportunity” so if you know any runner that might be interested in joining our running club then please bring them along, hear the latest coaching techniques and ideas and participate in group training after a warm-up and some drills.
From beginners to experienced, all are welcome.

Congratulations to Vicky who was second lady in the Tenterden 5k race yesterday [Sunday 10th June]