A cold beer, free cake and the vibrant tunes of the Wadhurst Brass Band greeted over 30 Hastings Runners who tackled the undulating 15 mile route around Bewl Water.

It’s a beautiful location, but don’t be fooled, with the July sunshine breaking through the clouds and the course difficulty increasing with each passing mile, this was no Sunday saunter.

Yolando King was the 5th female to complete the course. What was really impressive about this achievement was Yolanda had never run 15 miles before. She entered the race believing it was 15km. But that slight oversight didn’t stop her scooping up an age category award.

Likewise, Bob Dennis (MV75), Sarah Marzaioli (FV70) and Erica Wilson (FV75) all left Wadhurst with a trophy to add to their cabinets, winning their respective age brackets.

The first Hastings Runner to complete the course was Paul Lambert in 1:52:58. A testament to his recent hard work in training that continues to bring improvement to his race times. Less than 3 minutes behind, was Martin Noakes, running a superb race to finish in 1:55:31.

Martin Snape surprised many by managing to stay on his feet for the whole 15 miles, despite his inappropriate footwear falling apart. Alongside Kieran Price they came home in 1:58:20, shortly followed by Yolanda (1:58:43) and Darren Barzee (1:58:51).

Picture: Bill Edmondson & Jan Young

Friday evening marked the start of the 17th Rye Summer Series, beginning with the 10K. 5 Hastings Runners took part with Adam Weller the first home in an excellent time of 39:24.

Kevin Blowers took on board some wise words and tucked in behind a fellow runner into the breeze. His human wind break was having none of it though and started to shuffle from side to side to fend off his new nemesis. Kevin found himself exposed to the headwind and when he next glanced behind him, a line of runners had taken refuge from the elements, close on his tail.

Many a runner would have been left dejected by this exploitation, not Kevin. He produced a superb 2nd half of the race to clock a new 10K PB of 42:00.  Nicola Steed (45:20), Adam Holland (1:00:55) and Henry Worthington (1:13:29) also sailed home to record excellent times.

In a somewhat contrasting challenge, Helen Rothermel and Nick Thompson headed West to complete the Rat Race Man v Coast over the weekend. An event which involved twice venturing into the sea to complete the route.

Bewl 15 Results

Paul Lambert 1:52:58
Martin Noakes 1:55:31
Kieran Price 1:58:20
Martin Snape 1:58:20
Yolanda King 1:57:43
Darren Barzee 1:58:51
John Simcox 2:08:53
Richard Towner-Roethe 2:11:56
Mark Storey 2:15:37
Simon Linklater 2:16:14
Kevin Blowers 2:16:15
Piers Brunning 2:17:16
Michael Norris 2:18:13
Charles Bowley 2:25:43
Amanda Link 2:26:29
Sarah Bendle 2:26:30
Simon Trevena 2:27:11
Matthew Miller 2:32:32
Trevor Briggs 2:35:44
Lucie Smitalova 2:35:25
Bob Dennis 2:42:40
Sue Wilkinson 2:47:35
Jan Young 2:48:32
Sarah Marzaioli 2:55:34
Bill Edmondson 2:56:19
Nina Lambrou 2:57:49
Sue Alabaster 3:01:32
Dave King 3:02:34
Kerry Freeman 3:05:27
Shana Burchett 3:23:18
Erica Wilson 3:47:22

I know a few of you are missing from the Nice Work results. So if you ran a race this weekend, let me know and I can add you to the report.

Simon Linklater

Friday evening marked the 8th race in the 2022 Hastings Runners Club Championship. As the field gathered on the start line it was clear that Black & Green was the colour of fashion at the Robertsbridge 10K (apart from one lost sheep who rocked up in orange, but we won’t mention him).

We eagerly awaited the starting pistol. Bouncing up and down raring to go. Excited to get those legs moving and the blood pumping. No sooner had we dashed from the start line, we found ourselves once again huddled in a group, laughing and nattering as the narrow  course saw runners come to a standstill (bear that in mind when looking at times folks).

It was pretty much single file until we reached the hill of doom. Was that path created purely for this race? The length of the grass certainly suggested that was the case and a few eager & brave souls ventured into the long stuff to gain a place or two.

As we entered Darvell Community the field began to spread out as the unforgiving elevation saw runners gasping for air. Support was on hand around the course and gratefully received. Although I do suggest a new club rule that states “taking photos at the top of any hill is forbidden”.

As we finally descended through the high street it was back round for lap number 2. Jacqueline Scott was our only female representative in the 5K or as she put it “The Hastings Runners Robertsbridge 5K Female Champion of 2022”, completing the course in a shade over 32 minutes.

A somewhat more modest Trevor Briggs was the first (and only) male in the 5k in a time of 24:26.

In the 10K race the on form Adam Weller produced a fine display to cross the finish line in 3rd place and a time of 41:54. Martin Snape also landed a Top 10 finish, coming home in 6th place in 42:56.

Claire Thomas swooped the 1st Female Prize in 46:51, encouraged along by good friend Kevin Blowers (1st MV60 in 46:53). Although I believe the key moment was when my good self sacrificed at least 2 seconds of my own time by kindly holding a gate open midway through the 2nd lap (you’re welcome).

There were also age category wins for Ruth Spiller (FV55), Sarah Marzaioli (FV70), Yockie Richards (FV75) and Irene Kitson (FV65).

2 days later Ben Sallows (52:26), Kerry Freeman (1:05:19), Adam Holland (1:11:16) and Andrew Clubb (1:13:04) and  all completed the Hawkhurst 10k.

James Graham and Catherine Catterway made the long trip along the coast to Torbay to tackle the half marathon. Both put in stellar performances to complete the course in 2:25 and 3:10 respectively.

Sarah Marzaioli was back in action at the 30K North Downs Run, which included some gruelling hills and stunning descents. Sarah completed the course in 3:49:36 and claimed the British Masters Gold Medal for the V70 Age Category. Go Sarah!!!

I heard rumours that Jacqueline Mannering and Darren Kilby were considering a week off. They turned out to be false as alongside Annette Fry they completed the Brighton Trail Marathon. The highlight being the 817 foot climb up to Ditchling Beacon. Ouch.

As always if I I’ve missed you out, please drop me a message or comment below and I will update the report.

Robertsbridge Results

5K
Trevor Briggs 24:26
Jacqueline Scott: 32:18

10K
Adam Weller 41:54
Martin Snape 42:56
Keiran Price 44:41
Patrick Bermingham 45:36
Simon Linklater 46:12
Claire Thomas 46:51
Kevin Blowers 46:53
Graeme Grass 47:49
Andy Knight 48:52
Matthew Millar 50:12
David Harding 52:11
Charles Bowley 52:18
Simon Weatherley 53:57
Roland Baines 54:07
Jamie Hitchman 54:10
Ruth Spiller 56:04
Jon Smalldon 57:07
Marie Crawford 59:12
Keith Goodsell 59:14
Susan Wilkinson 1:00:11
Jo Nevett 1:00:35
Craig Weeks 1:03:08
Joe French 1:03:30
Louise Cavill 1:04:53
Adam Holland 1:04:59
Sarah Marzaioli 1:06:37
Yockie Richardson 1:07:19
Krista Barzee 1:09:01
Tracy Ratnarajah 1:09:49
Chris White 1:11:03
Irene Kitson 1:12:39
Henry Worthington 1:32:07

Some great performances at the weekend with Yolanda King, following up her 19.03 5 kms pb and ladies win at Hastings parkrun on Saturday by finishing first lady in Sunday’s Rye 10 miler in an excellent chip time of 69.23 over what is a punishingly hilly course.

Club mate Zoe Fairclough finished a very close 3rd in 69.50, coming in just 3 seconds behind the runner-up. Martin Snape was the leading club member in 10th place in a time of 66.55, just ahead of Kieran Price in 66.57, Paul Lambert 69.16, Paul Burchett 73.00, Ben Park 73.34, Kevin Blowers 73.44, Neil Jeffries 74.54, Richard Towner – Roethe 76.50, Andy Knight 79.48, Sarah Bendle 82.38, Andy Alabaster 83.28, Ben Sallows 85.24, Simon Weatherley 87.55, Robert Dennis 88.39, Annette Fry 91.24, Lucie Smitalova 92.41, Keith Goodsell 93.27, Marie Crawford 93.59, Danny Ratnarajah 94.57, Sue Wilkinson 101.22, Stephen Slater 101.25, Klare Beecroft 101.39, Sue Alabaster 101.42, Yockie Richardson 105.54, Tracy Ratnarajah 107.14, Samantha Welfare 107.51, Louise Cavill 107.52, Krista Barzee 109.35, Shana Burchett 109.58, Hayley Ranson 115.42, Erica Wilson 135.08 – all chip times.

There were age category wins for Paul Burchett (MV45), Kevin Blowers (MV60), Robert Dennis (MV75), Sarah Bendle (FV45), Annette Fry (FV50) and the evergreen Yockie Richardson (FV75), as the club fielded 33 out of the 146 runners.

After a comfortable Hastings parkrun success in 16.34, Will Withecombe also pulled off a double by winning the Rye 5 mile event in a time of 29.36 which was an amazing 4 minutes faster than his victory in the race last year. Other HRs in the field of 32 were David Fairclough 43.06, Hannah Towner – Roethe 44.52, Adam Holland 48.06 and Joanne Fellows 60.19.

Many congrats to club secretary Andy Lee who recorded a superb time of 19.35 at parkrun to knock a full 25 seconds off the Hastings MV65 category record! There were also pbs for Andrew Shipilov 19.42 and Adam Holland 25.44.

Helen Rothermel achieved a new half marathon PB of 2 hours and 1 second at the Edinburgh Half Marathon. Also making the long trip north of the border were Nick Thompson (2:26) and Rick Burne (2:07).

Jacqueline Mannering and Darren Kilby were spotted outside Arundel Caste at 5am on Sunday morning. There was another sighting later that evening in Eastbourne. The first assumption was the traffic must have been bad, but the two of them actually ran the 102km as part of the UK Ultra South Downs 100k. In the process Jacqueline scooped up first place in her age category.

Husband and wife duo Sharon and Paul Wadham, flew the green and black flag at Arundel on Saturday morning, completed the scenic undulating 10K route in just over an hour.

An excellent turnout yesterday as Hastings Runners flagship event, the Keith Chandler Memorial Road Race, returned for its 15th anniversary with no fewer than 98 HRs in the field of 408 runners whilst close to 40 current and former club members formed the majority of the volunteers.

The return to Sussex Grand Prix status ensured that runners came from all over Sussex to take part, whilst there were also clubs represented from Kent, Surrey and London. The feedback for the new course, which included a 550m loop of the town’s historic pier, has been very positive and hopefully the weather gods will be kinder for the 2023 event!

There were some superb performances across the board with Will Withecombe first club member home in 10th place in 28.29; Yolanda King 3rd lady finisher in 32.19; Yolanda, Zoe Fairclough and Claire Thomas finished as 2nd ladies team; Will, Ashley Vora and Kieran Price were 4th men’s team.

There were age category wins for Lewis Betts (male junior), Kieran Price (MV50), Neil Jeffries (MV60 and Christine Sanderson (FV75).

Many thanks to chief marshal Alan Croucher for co-ordinating the large team of volunteers, and hopefully the event will add a few more thousand pounds to the £56,000 raised so far in its history for St. Michael’s Hospice. Well done to everyone who took part, and making this a great advertisement for our club!

On Saturday 15 Hastings Runners travelled to Horsham to take part in the Run to the Sea 50K Ultra.

It was a superb performance with the club claiming 3rd place in the team prize. Kevin Blowers took 1st place in the MV60 category, competing in his first ever Ultra in a time of 5:13:05.

Richard Roethe, Sarah Bendle, Rob Thomas, Nina Lambrou and Emily Allchurch all came in under the 6 hour mark!

With Saturday’s hangovers a distance memory some of our club’s finest were in race action at the weekend.

Multi award winning Kevin Blowers achieved his goal and smashed the “Good for Age” time for London Marathon, by running a massive Marathon PB of 3:30:08 in Milton Keynes.

Darren Barzee ran an amazing time too, clocking a personal best of 3:23. An hour in the First Aid tent post race showed just how much he pushed himself to cross the finish line. Lucky for him, Kev was able to walk (just) and limped off to McDonalds to fetch our man a Big Mac and fries.

I (Simon Linklater) managed to knock 64 minutes off my personal best Marathon time to join the Three PBigo’s, running a time of 3:40:00.

Whilst Kevin plans his trip to the capital in 2023, several of our members were heading back from the capital having competed in the Vitality 10K.

There were PB’s for Nicola Steed (43:59), Lucia Smitalova (51:05) and Rachel Inns (52:12). Sharon Wadham (57:07) narrowly beat hubby Paul (57:29) and Linda Beddis crossed the line in 1:10:55.

Presentation host Andy Knight continued his good form with a time of 1:19:55 in the Haywards Heath 10 Miler.

If I’ve missed you out, then get in touch. Apologies for the delayed report as well, turns out a Marathon is actually quite hard.

A magnificent turnout for the club’s 5 kms event on Wednesday 27th April, with 76 taking part in the evening seafront race despite the chilly conditions.

The out and back course from Grosvenor Gardens was diverted via Bottle Alley after a last minute switch, owing to a road traffic accident which caused the top prom to be blocked.

Another tremendous run from star junior Finlay Goodman (aged 13) who coasted home in 16.58, nearly a minute clear of runner up Ashley Vora, followed in by Adam Weller in 3rd and Finlay’s dad Mark in 4th.

An excellent run by 8th placed Zoe Fairclough in 20.11, who was the first lady home. 5th placed Kieran Price took the male vet’s prize, whilst the evergreen Sally Grainger claimed the ladies vet’s award.

Club chairman Nick Brown said:”It was very encouraging to see no fewer than 18 runners taking part in their first club race. Many thanks to race director Nick Webb, and to chief marshal Alan Croucher and the rest of the volunteers.”

The debut runners were juniors Amy & Sophie Ashby, Lewis Betts, Romey Jondorf; and adults Klare Beecroft, Sean Dwyer, David Fairclough, Joanne Fellows, Nathan Godden, Sue Hull, Stephen Ingram, Nathan Jondorf, Ben Kempner, Matthew Miller, Phil Morris, Mark Storey, Adam Weller and Tamsin West.

Full results were:
Finlay Goodman 16.58;
Ashley Vora 17.56;
Adam Weller 18.03;
Mark Goodman 18.45;
Kieran Price 19.02;
Paul Lambert 19.08;
Martin Noakes 19.36;
Zoe Fairclough 20.11;
Michael Norris 20.28 pb;
Lewis Betts 20.34;
Nicki Steed 20.55 pb;
Neil Jeffries 20.56;
Nathan Jondorf 21.02;
Mark Storey 21.11 pb;
Andy Knight 21.12;
Stephen Ingram 21.31 pb;
Joe Cruttenden 21.39;
Graeme Grass 22.01;
Matthew Miller 22.17;
Ben Sallows 22.19;
Nathan Godden 22.20;
Jamie Kennedy 22.22;
Dean Betts 22.23;
Ben Kempner 22.57;
Andy Alabaster 23.04;
Matt Beaver 23.07;
Romey Jondorf 23.10;
David Fairclough 23.13;
Ben Brett 23.28;
Darren Owen 23.29;
Sally Grainger 23.33;
Jamie Hitchman 23.39;
Lewis Wadham 23.47;
Jo Nevett 24.12;
Ruth Spiller 24.15;
Sue Hull 24.23 pb;
Sean Dwyer 24.41;
Amy Ashby 24.47 (fastest time for 6 years!);
Berenice Consavela 24.59;
Glenn Read 25.24;
Rachael Inns 25.28;
Danny Ratnarajah 25.32;
Bill Edmondson 25.34;
Marie Crawford 25.38 pb;
Jessica Cull 25.45;
Klare Beecroft 25.49 pb;
Paul Wadham 26.20;
Marie Appleton 26.33;
Sue Quincey 26.34;
David Bratby 26.49;
Robert Gagyi 26.54;
Rick Burne 26.57;
Catherine Mitchell 27.01;
Phil Morris 27.07;
Sue Alabaster 27.15;
Sharon Wadham 27.19;
Jan Young 27.45;
Sophie Ashby 28.18;
Louise Cavill 28.29;
Sue Palmer 28.41;
Krista Barzee 28.51;
Julia James 29.02;
Allison Tanner 29.05;
Yockie Richardson 29.16;
Simon Woroniecki 29.21;
Christine Sanderson 29.52;
Tracy Ratnarajah 29.54;
Irene Kitson 30.12;
Alan Croucher 30.32;
Sophie West 31.01;
Christopher White 31.33;
Sylvia Huggett 32.25;
Joanne Fellows 33.41pb;
Erica Wilson 35.48;
Henry Worthington 40.10;
Hayley Ranson (sweep) 40.15.

How incredible was that? The grin still hasn’t left my face.

Take a bow. Every single one of you that stepped foot on the start line,  that conquered the hills and did our club proud.

Thank you to those that ventured out to offer vocal support and encouragement. It’s hard to quantify what an impact having someone cheer your name does, it’s huge and I feel that’s evident in some of the amazing performances on Sunday morning.

Matt Edmonds produced his finest hour yet in his green and black vest, literally almost an hour, finishing the race in 1:13:54. It was a personal best and good enough for 4th place overall and the first local runner to cross the line.

8 years on from his last half marathon, Will Withecombe ran a superb time of 1:21:01, a 3 minute PB and 24th place overall. He was closely followed by Colin White in 1:22:47, another PB (this course ain’t flat folks). I told you the support made a difference.

Yolanda King was the first female Hastings Runners across the line in 1:32:06, 14th place overall. Closely followed by Zoe Fairclough in 1:32:29, also securing a 20 top position (16th). Nicola Steed made up the Top 3 in 1:41:18.

The half marathon PB’s don’t stop there. Far from it. Paul Lambert produced a 4 minute PB to mark his return to form in 1:30:25. Kevin Blowers who celebrates his 60th birthday in a weeks time, ran 1:35:11.  Yes, I did say 60th!! Perhaps someone should tell him? Or perhaps not?

Richard Roethe (1:38:37), Andy Alabaster (1:51:59) and Jon Smalldon (1:53:28) all clocked PBs in their first outing around the hilly Hastings route. Jacqueline Mannering was probably one of the few who found the 13.1 miles too short, with a 5 minute PB in 1:52:42.

Annette Fry came tantalizing close  to breaking the 2 hour barrier, but still managed a PB in 2:00:38. Next time Annette! Sharon Wadham joined the PB gang in a time of 2:12:38.

Yockie Richardson, 76 years young, completed her first ever Hastings Half Marathon in 2:20:00, 1st in the W75 category. I just don’t have the words to describe how inspiring that is.  Erica Wilson pocketed 2nd place in her age category too. Linda Beddis knocked 8 minutes off her previous best Half Marathon in 2:38:45.

Lucie Smitalova (1:57:15), Glenn Read (1:58:27), Lucy Brett (2:27:31) and Joanne Fellow (2:58:03) all completed their first ever half marathons. So I guess the times count as PBs?

There were several runners representing charities. Amanda Link (MacMillan Cancer), Catherine Southgate (Red Cross), Davinia Hill (Stroke Association), Millie Mitchell (National Autistic Society) and Samantha Welfare (Ukraine UK Red Cross) all raised money for good causes.

Sylvia Huggett and Darren Barzee maintained their amazing streak of having completing every half marathon since it began.

Well done to Nigel Thornley, Jessica Cull and Sarah Bendle who were part of the pacing team for the race.

Let’s also give Terry Kitson a mention. Terry twisted his ankle before the race even started. Sadly he had to take the sensible decision to sit this one out.

Wait a minute.

That’s wrong.

Terry chose to run anyway, completing the course in 3:04:16. Congratulations to Terry and Irene who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the weekend.

In the Mini Run Lewis Betts finished in 4th place, completing the 2km route in 7 minutes and 26 seconds. Sophie and Amy Ashby finished in 9:42.

A big thank you to Eric Hardwicke for all his hard work. Also to the Sea Cadets who do an amazing job helping out on the day. These events are not possible with the hard work of so many individuals, often behind the scenes.

Please if I’ve missed you out, drop me an email or DM and I will update the report tomorrow morning before sending it off to the Observer.

💚 GO HASTINGS RUNNERS 🖤

Simon Linklater (PB for me to, but didn’t want to brag)