On Saturday 23rd September I completed the Sussex Stride in 11 hours and 8 minutes. The Sussex Stride is an LDWA challenge event which comprises of 52 miles and crosses some of the finest countryside in the South Downs. It is also a qualifying event for the LDWA’s annual 100 mile challenge, which will be held in Scotland next year – hence the reason I was keen to do it.
It was a relatively late start at 10:00am on Saturday morning. It was a beautiful day weather wise and, once more, the South Downs was bathed in glorious sunshine. I’ve run a lot on the SDW this year and I still get so much out of being there.
The route visits Offham, Lewes, Glynde, Firle, Alfriston, Jevington, East Dean, Norton and Rodmell, with approximately 7,000 feet of ascent.
Given the rising cost of ultras, this is a reasonably priced event with lots of aid stations. Although some of the people manning the stations can be a bit pedantic if you arrive there before they have officially opened. I had to wait 10 minutes at the second aid station – not that it bothered me. Lots of food!
It was a great day out and I even had company for the final 14 miles which was nice. Finishing just after 9:00pm meant I only had to use my headtorch for the last hour. There really is something truly amazing about running on the SDW in the moonlight.
A good event and one which I would very much recommend