With probably perfect conditions, 12 Harriers set off on, what is billed as, ‘the 2nd hardest marathon in the country’.
The ‘challenging’ course boasts around 3300ft of climb and stunning views across the South Downs, (if you have the energy to raise your head to look at them); hitting the Seven Sisters at around mile 22!
So to the results,
First Harrier home and 18th lady overall, was Sarah Bailey in an amazing BH marathon debut time of 4.01.16, followed by Derek Harrison (346th man) in 4.31.14 (just a week after completing the hilly Eden Project marathon), Mark Taylor (486ht man) 4.49.11, Oliver Chappatte (487th man) 4.49.59, Jerry Milner (560th man) 4.58.34, Nicky White (149th lady) 5.04.46, Paul Eames (687th man) 5.19.13, Rosie Harris (198th lady) 5.20.18 – knocking a massive hour off her previous marathon PB, followed by Beachy Head marathon virgins – Jane Roome (307th lady), 5.55.00, Sioban Adams (348th lady) 6.08.35, Anita Hanchet (349th lady) 6.08.35, and last but not least, Peter Knapp (896th man) 6.16.22.
First man was Stephen Wenk of Maidstone Harriers in an eye watering time of 2.55.38, and first lady was Jo Singer of Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets AC in 3.32.42.
Huge thanks have to go to the amazing TWH support crew who popped up, certainly just when I needed a much needed talking to and a jelly baby or three, George Harris, Claire Hayhurst and Cheeky, and not forgetting Tigger and Coco!