Striders set a new team record for turnout at the annual Summer Solstice 5k and 2.5k Runs with 102 seniors and juniors, swapping their usual Wednesday night training for the pacing challenge.
Watches and phones were left at home with each runner predicting their finish time before starting the seafront race. The three runners who ran nearest to their predicted time were 1st Sandra Standen (2 seconds out); 2nd Gareth Hutchinson (4 seconds) and 3rd Josh Nisbett (6 seconds). Full time and finisher results are available here .
After numbers were collected and times predicted by the runners, the race was started by a klaxon blast, courtesy of the race’s start and finish venue Newhaven & Seaford Sailing Club. The 102 runners, many in neon Striders tops, brought a wave of colour to the seafront as they ran through the sea mist. They received many shout outs from supporters along the 5k route.
The race was also one of the first events for the Striders’ newly graduated Couch to 5k group, with many group members taking part. Couch to 5k programme co-ordinator Hilary Humphreys said: “Congratulations to everyone who took part in Wednesday’s Summer Solstice 2.5k and 5k runs. Also, many thanks on behalf of the club to Anneka and her merry band of helpers, without whom we wouldn’t have had a run. Within the club there is, sadly, always a number who are prevented from running through injury and it was brilliant to see so many of them turning out to help showing true Striders spirit – thank you! There were a number of other Striders who simply elected to come along and encourage the Couch to 5k graduates – again, a big thank you for your fabulous support!”