Category Archives: News

Ciari puts pay to season opener

An ill tempered Ciara put pay to the season opening Brenda Boyle Pier to Pier on Sunday. It meant it was a very quiet weekend on the racing front.

On Saturday morning the Goodman brothers proudly wore their black and white Hastings Runners tops in the Sussex Cross County Finals in Bexhill.

Oliver, racing well above his age in the Under 11s put in a fine performance to finish in the middle of the pack. Finlay continued his excellent recent form by winning the U13s race and will shortly be making an appearance in the National Finals.

Nick and Helen Brown competed in the Torre Pacheco 7km. Over 200 runners took part in temperatures of 18 degrees.

Helen finished 2nd in the FV45 category in a fantastic time of 36:54. Nick also made the podium, finishing 2nd in the MV55 in a very quick time of 30:01.

636 female runners took part in the North Beach parkrun in Durban at the weekend. Why is he telling us this?

Well in 3rd place out of those 636 runners was our very own Susan Rae.

If anyone takes part in a race that I miss, feel free to drop me an email and I will add you to the weekly reports.

Simon Linklater – Communications Officer

Pier to Pier Cancelled

Regretfully we have had to call off the Pier to Pier event. The weather warning has now increased to Amber and so would be perilous for runners and marshals alike. And there now seems no likelihood of any significant change. We will advise in due course what is decided on how this impacts on the championship.

Andy Lee Club Secretary

Edmonds continues his X-Country dominace

The weekend before last saw the latest instalment of the ESSXCL at Heathfield Park. Matt Edmonds continued his excellent form by adding win number 3 of the X-Country season in a fantastic time of 32 minutes and 10 seconds.

Darren Barzee came home in 11th place in 35:19, whilst Martin Noakes finished 22nd in 36:50.  Jane Coles was the first female Hastings Runner across the line in a time of 45:46. Jo Nevett 48:43 and Emily Allchurch 49:18 were 2nd and 3rd respectively.

In the junior race, there was yet more success for Finlay Goodman, who took 1st place.

It was certainly an eventful day with runners halted en route by a herd of deer crossing their path. Poor Bérénice was stranded as she plotted her safe route across the stream. In the end, she was left with no choice but to jump in and pull herself out the other side. That’s dedication folks.

This weekend we had 9 runners in action at Bedgebury. Simon Newstead was the first home in the 10 miler, completing the course in a fantastic time of 1 hour and 16 minutes.  Emily Allchurch (1:30), Adrian Barratt (1:34), Victoria Sims (1:36), Elly Swaine (1:38), Steven Slater (1:39) and Jennifer Milnes (1:43) also took part.

Victoria Harding (51:31) and Mary Le Pla (1:04:56) both completed the Bedgebury 5 Miler.

The Wadham’s were in action at the Nonsuch 10k with Paul recording an excellent time of 51:37 in his first race wearing club colours. Somewhat unimpressed by her husband leaving her behind, Sharon came home in 53:38.

Sarah Marzaioli clocked up Marathon number 97 at Ranscombe Farm Reserve as she closes in on the magical 100 club.

Pete Heasman, tired from his recent exploits, decided to take it easy this weekend and only ran the Southcoast 50. It actually turned out to be 52km, which Pete ambled round in a comfortable 6 hours 36 minutes.  Come on Pete, make an effort!

Meanwhile in South Africa Susan Rae ran the Hout Bay parkrun, a sandy trail run, in a time of 26:57, setting a new age category record and finishing as the 1st lady.

Hastings Runners Awards Night 2020

For 364 days of the year, we dress in ridiculously bright colours, keep our hair covered or tied back, cake ourselves in mud, sweat profusely and get snapped as we approach the finish line looking like death.

But each January, the Awards Night rolls around. We dress up in our finest outfits, showcase our latest hairdos and apply our finest fragrances.

Boy did we smash it.

We looked amazing right?

Andy Knight did a fantastic job presenting the ceremony. Andy Lee, Nick Webb and Susan Mann were handing out the awards and our very own DJ Jules kept the part going into the early hours. Lee Wright was on hand with his trusted camera. Not to snap us looking windswept and in pain, but looking gorgeous and strutting our moves on the dance floor.

71 runners competed in the 8 Club Championship races needed to scoop up a trophy. In the Male First Past the Post (FPTP) category the top prize was shared between Darren Barzee and Colin White, with Graeme Grass in 3rd position. Debbie Humbles took 1st prize in the Female FPTP competition with Jane Coles in 2nd and Claire Thomas in 3rd.

There were also FPTP age category wins for Paul Burchett, Kieran Price, Kevin Blowers, Andy Lee, Terry Kitson, Rob Dennis, Emma Stubbs, Nina Lambrou, Annette Fry, Susan Rae, Julia James, Irene Kitson, Sarah Marzaioli and Christine Sanderson.

The Target Time Championship was won by some fella called Simon Linklater. I’m trying my best not to mention him. Susan Rae was in 2nd place, with Darren Barzee 3rd.

Christine Sanderson won the Best Age Grade Trophy with an amazing score of 87.67%. 

The coaches voted for 8 senior Merit Awards and Andy Knight did a short explanation of what these runners had achieved over the course of the last 12 months. They were deservedly won by Manami Cheves, Jane Coles, Matt Edmonds, Paul Burchett, Nina Lambrou, Marie Crawford, Berenice Consavela and Elly Swaine.

The Achiever Awards which are given to the male and female who received the most votes were won by Susan Rae and Simon Linklater.

The Grijsloke Trophy was awarded to long-serving member Paul Cabban. Yockie Richardson landed the Cross Country Award, whilst the Bill Bailey Trophy, arguably the biggest of the lot, as Kim pointed out (in size only I should add), was won by Mr Callow himself.

For a second year running the members voted for Terry Kitson as the Coach of the Year. A worthy winner I’m sure we will all agree. The Wilf Gaye Memorial Trophy which is again voted for by the members for the runner they feel has battled bravely and overcome hurdles during the past 12 months was won by Louise Coates.

We won’t mention who won the Endeavour Trophy, an award originally introduced by club legend Peter Cocker, who was in attendance. Former Chairman Tim Jury received a standing ovation as he received the Founders Trophy for his services and commitment to the club.

To be honest we should be congratulating everyone who is part of Hastings Runners for making it such a friendly club to be part of. Now it’s time to put the outfits back in the wardrobe for another year, get the running slacks out and start running again.

Finlay braves injury to land Kent Championship

11-year-old Finlay Goodman continued his excellent progress by winning the Year 7 Kent Schools Championship. The 3km race was held at the Royal Military School in Dover.

Finlay’s win was made even more remarkable by a nasty accident on the start line where his foot was spiked. He went on to win the race and then attend the hospital afterwards to get the injured treated.

In warmer climates our Chairman Nick Brown won the MV60 category in the El Palmar 5km, completing the hilly course in an excellent time of 20:35. Helen Brown was 2nd in the FV50 category in 24:56.

Sarah Marzaioli completed her 96th Marathon at  the Doughnut Dash at Walton on Thames. Sarah has targeted London as her 100th Marathon and is currently raising money for the RNLI. If you can spare a few pounds towards this great cause and amazing achievement that would be very kind.

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SARAHMARZ100

On Sunday 5 members completed their England Athletics Run Leadership courses. Darren Barzee, Nadia Winborn, Neil Jeffries, Anthony Gardner and Simon Linklater will all be on the coaching rota in the following months.

2020 Improvers Awards for Club Races

In a bid to increase participation in the club races, as well as rewarding improving runners for their efforts, the club is introducing 9 new Improvers Awards for 2020.

There will be improvers awards for the following races:

Category 1: Long Distance

Brenda Boyle Pier to Pier
Rye to Hastings
Hastings Half Marathon

Category 2: 10K

Barry Richards 10k
Alan Corke 10K
Battle 10K

Category 3: Short Distance

Hastings 5 Miler
Spring 5K
Winter 5K

The winner of each award will be the runner that improves on their target time by the biggest margin. The awards will be presented to runners at the following “Club Only” race.

This idea was voted on in the January club meeting and it was agreed that the winners would receive a Shield with their name engraved to keep for 12 months.

One of the purposes of this new idea is to give more runners a chance of winning a prize in the club races. With that in mind, it has been agreed that a runner can only receive one award from each of the 3 categories, therefore ensuring a variety of winners across the 9 races.

2020 target times will be released before the Brenda Boyle Pier to Pier on the 9th of February.

Flying Finlay lands U13 Sussex X-Country Title

Finlay Goodman continued his excellent progress by landing another prestigious title over the weekend. Following on from his success in the Under 11 race a year ago, Finlay added the U13 Sussex X-Country title to his increasingly crowded trophy cabinet.

Proud father Mark Goodman said, “Finlay ran an intelligent race and attacked at the start of the 2nd lap up the drag and then opened up a gap to the others to give him a decent gap at the end”.

Mark himself took part in the senior race, producing a fine performance of his own to break the Top 50 in a time of 42.31. Martin Noakes (45.19), Piers Brunning (57.23) and David Bratby (61.23) were also representing the club.

Whilst many of you were still in bed or knocking back the paracetamol, 7 more sensible members of our club were up bright and early on New Years Day to compete in the Lamberhurst 10K. Simon Newstead produced a fantastic time of 41 minutes and 53 seconds to narrowly miss out on a top 20 finish.

Danny Firth who is on his way back from a prolonged injury layoff smashed the 45 minutes barrier in 44:59. Did I say “smashed”? Simon Deeprose (51:54), Adrian Barratt (51:36), Sharon Wadham (58:48), Paul Wadham (59:38), Sarah Holmes (1:02:16) and Allison Tanner (1:03:53) all got their 2020 off to the perfect start. Shame on the rest of you!!!

Just prior to the New Year Ben Sallows (1:24:29), Stuart Woolford (1:32:19), Darren Pearson (1:35:10) and Sue Wilkinson (1:37:35) all completed the Staplehurst 10 miler.

Further afield, in the warmer climates of San Fulgencio, Nick Brown landed another podium finish in the Race to Kings 5km, crossing the line in 3rd place in the MV55 category.  Helen Brown narrowly missed out on a trophy, finishing 4th in the FV45  age category.

The weekly update wouldn’t be complete without a PB mention for Susan Rae. She set a new course record at Hastings parkrun in the FV60 age bracket on the 4th January. On the same day Matt Edmonds backflipped his way to another parkrun success.

If anyone took part in a race over the previous 7 days then please let me know and I will add you to the report.

Thanks for reading. Simon Linklater. Communications Officer.

Nigel’s Christmas Eve Marathon

Running a marathon takes dedication and months of preparation. Ideally you need to tailor your training specifically for the big day. Resting in the build-up to 26.2 miles is essential.

Unless your name is Nigel Thornley.

Nigel has run a minimum of 10km every day this month.  He has one more 10km to complete before running a Marathon on the morning of Christmas Eve.

I know what you’re thinking. But Nigel isn’t doing this because he’s crazy, it’s to raise money for St.Michael’s Hospice (Hastings and Rother).

Members of the club have generously rallied to support Nigel’s efforts and he is closing in on £1000, which is amazing, but please if you’ve not already offered a kind donation, then visit his JustGiving page and support this great cause.

It’s not too late to join Nigel on his mission. Tomorrow morning will be his final 10k from Dordrecht Way at 9 am, followed by coffee in the park cafe afterwards. Tag along and bring a spare fiver (or fifty) in your pocket, to help reach that four-figure total.

Then, of course, it’s the Marathon itself. The run will be divided into 2 laps, both starting from his home, 187 Harold Road. Each route will take in the Hastings Half Marathon course, replacing Queensway with Blackman Avenue and Battle Road (he’s mad, but not that mad).

The 1st lap will commence at 7 am and head clockwise along the seafront. The 2nd lap will go in the opposite direction, commencing at approximately 9.30 am. In the past these runs have attracted a fantastic turnout, many dressed in their Christmas outfits, creating a great atmosphere.

I was asked by a member to post this (not Nigel himself), but someone inspired by his efforts. So let’s rally together and make this Christmas Eve Marathon the best one yet.

Nigel, you are a Hastings Runner legend!!

Christmas Pudding Dash Race Report

Cold. Wet. Caked in mud. Some even bloodied from falls. Yet bizarrely, still smiling whilst comparing tales of who trod in the deepest puddle or who had the most comical tumble.

The 55 that took on and completed the Christmas Pudding Dash on Saturday morning, did so in great festive spirits. Battling the muddy slippery slopes, the 2 foot deep puddles, the fallen branches and the water-logged fields. All whilst dressed in their finest Christmas attire and boy were some crackers on display.

First to slide his way over the finish line was Patrick Bermingham in a superb time of 36 minutes. Graeme Grass, who rocked up fresh-faced from not only Hastings parkrun but the Xmas Drinks the night before, was 2nd home in 36:41. Rumour has it he spent the afternoon napping on the sofa.

Michael Hamer (37:19) and Danny Firth (37:43) made up the top 4. They were closely followed by our first female finisher, Jane Coles in a fantastic time of 38:09. Emily Allchurch (42:35) came 2nd, whilst Berenice Consavela (49:16) and Sue Palmer were joint third, with identical chip times.

There was success in the age category prizes too. Bob Dennis took the honours in the Male Vet 70 (I still can’t believe he’s that old) in 46:42. Christine Sanderson won the Female Vet 75 in 56:34. Our resident baker, Yockie Richardson, claimed first place in the Female Vet 70 in 58:52.

Thank you to the club members who were part of the race organisation. Steph Miller, Tim Jury, Andy Bashford, Lee Miller, Gary Lancaster and Corrina Skinner were all on hand to offer their encouragement. Thank you to the supporters that came along to cheer on their loved ones and no doubt question our sanity.

The Christmas Pudding Dash wraps up an amazing 2019 Club Championship. Places are still available at the Social Awards night which is due to take place on the 24th of January 2020. This really is an amazing event and not to be missed. Especially if you’ve yet to witness the incredible dance moves of our new Secretary Andy Lee.

Click here for the full results from the Pudding Dash.

Simon Linklater – Communications Officer

Mince Pies and Sunshine

It was a quiet weekend on the racing front, with just a handful of Hastings Runners in action, whilst the rest of us put up our Christmas trees and spent even longer getting the perfect photo for our Social Media accounts.

Three wise runners made the short trip to Seaford to take on the Mince Pie 10 Miler, organised by the local Striders club. Terry Kitson was the first home, completing the challenging multi-terrain course in a time of 1 hour 45 minutes and 23 seconds.  Close behind in 1:46:56 was Sarah Marzaioli, with Katherine Hill finishing in 2:07:31.

Nick Brown and Helen Brown both competed in the Turkey & Father Xmas 5K. Nick has only just returned from a serious knee operation and managed to complete the 5.2km course in a fantastic time of 22 minutes dead. Helen came dashing across the finish line in a time of 26 minutes and 24 seconds.

The final Club Championship race is just a few weeks away. The Christmas Pudding Dash at Pett Village Hall. A great opportunity to dress up in your finest Santa or elf costumes and have a bit of fun. Places are still available via the Nice Work website.

The night before is the Xmas Jumpers drinks. We will be meeting at the Albion at 7.30 pm. Everyone in a Christmas jumper is welcome. If you’ve not already booked your place at the Social & Awards Night then make sure you are part of this unforgettable night.