Joel competing in the Seaford Half
By Joel Eaton
The Seaford Half Marathon on 12 May concluded a special weekend that showed off the wider benefits of being part of Seaford Striders. The support, encouragement, and team spirit that was on show for the culmination of the couch-to-5k group at Preston Park Parkrun on Saturday was once again on display for Sunday’s Seaford Half Marathon.
The mostly off-road race starts and finishes on the promenade and takes in Bishopstone village, veers through Rathfinney Wine Estate, joins the South Downs Way to Alfriston, and then drags you through the Cuckmere Valley and over Seaford Head. Scenic? Yep. Hilly? Absolutely. This is a tough course but one that should hold no surprises for Striders as it encompasses sections of regular summer routes.
Race day itself was dry, although residual rain from the night before provided some slippery sections along the Cuckmere river. With Striders, en masse at the finish line, the Bishopstone Road crossing and the first water station and then scattered throughout the route, there can be no complaint of any lack of encouragement and friendly faces cheering club members on.
Myself, Dave Dunstall, Billy Moakes, Scott Hitchcock, and Emily Eaton were all present on the start line, with Scott having to be restrained from leading an impromptu fitness class, while we all waited patiently for the time keeper (an idea for the Mince Pie Ten, perhaps?!?)
Having the support from your club all the way around a race is a great feeling (special mention to Pete for some uphill pacing!), and once again proudly showed off the friendly and encouraging team spirit that defines the club.
Results for Seaford Half: Joel Eaton, 01:26:43, (3rd place); Dave Dunstall, 01:38:43, (13th place); Billy Moakes, 01:39:16, (14th place); Scott Hitchcock, 01:41:51 (19th place) and Emily Eaton, 01:57:49.