Seaford Striders RC doubled their attendance at this year’s Heathfield Midsummer 10k on June 24 – from a field of 12 runners at the 2017 event to a mighty 24 in 2018.
Runners braved scorching temperatures for the circular route around the quiet country lanes surrounding the villages of Cross in Hand and Waldron. The challenging course forms part of the Sussex Grand Prix circuit and gives little opportunity for personal bests. Instead, Striders are challenged to pace themselves to achieve their best possible time on the hilly but scenic route.
The Heathfield Midsummer 10k is a race of two halves. While the runners’ legs are fresh, there’s a downhill sprint towards Waldron. The real challenge comes in saving enough energy for the corresponding uphill slog, which comes at the end of the race. The final 1k stretch ensures team members give their very last drop.
First over the line for the Striders and 8thoverall from the field of 290 finishers, was Joshua Rudd in 38:54. He was followed by Josh Nisbett in 42:18, Nick Farley in 43:22 and Damian Partridge in 43:41.
Andrew Farley was next in 45:23, followed by Phil Robinson in 47:38. Then it was the turn of the ladies. First lady Strider home was Anna Norman in 49:47, followed by Anneka Redley in 50:41 and Natasha Swan in 51:37. Emily Eaton crossed the line in 54:05, just ahead of Kristiane Sherry in 54:08.
Graham Jones completed his race in 56:35, with Hilary Humphreys the last Strider to complete the undulating course in less than an hour in 58:39.
Michelle Varndell loved the course and completed it in 1:00:48, she was followed by Simon Nixon in 1:01:38 and Emily Farley in 1:04:13. Next came a group of Striders completing in 1:05 – Simon Homer (1:05:03), Debbie Plant (1:05:30) and training buddies Julie Taylor and Trevor Jones (1:05:44).
Stacey Jones helped pace new Strider Lauren Morgan to complete her first ever race with both finishing in 1:09:47. The race was concluded for the Striders by Becky Souissi (1:14:40) and Victoria Maleski (1:15:18) well supported by Strider team mates who had finished their race.