The Forum of Benfleet Running Club

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

So Sarah N, Petes Jnr & Snr and Sylv, myself and the breadknife all running (or walking) this tomorrow. Not sure if anyone else is playing?

This is Sarah's 12 Beachy Head marathon. 12!!!! That is a pretty awesome achievement. I would have said she must have started running it in her teens.....but then I know how old she really is.

Andy F · #2 Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 272 Location: Hullbridge

Good Luck all, have a great weekend. I look forward to hearing how it went. I will have to run this one myself one day, it sounds lik a great run.

pete the young one · #1 Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Posts: 56 Location: Benfleet

Oh my god! what a horrible horrible day! it started raining at 5am and did not stop until about 4pm by which time the running section of us were in. The walking section had lovely weather proof gear on but alas the runners did not.

Everyone at the start had already resigned themselves to the fact that we were all going to get wet so weren't bothering to shelter much. As usual, a prompt 9am start with the fast guys flying up the first monstrous hill whilst the rest of us walked, slipped and crawled to the top trying not to knock other people over. At the top of the hill we were met with mist, horrible cold clinging mist and drizzling rain that just made you sodden right through. At points through the race the mist was so bad you couldn't see more than 50 metres in front of you, I nearly had major trouble at 24 miles when I couldn't see anyone around me and just hoped I was going in the right direction. And I heard from some spectators that a few of the guys at the front had gone over 4 miles out of their way due to getting lost.

Due to the weather the ground was slippy, muddy and in some places just downright nasty. There were people falling left, right and centre including our very own Sarah who took a tumble at 16 miles on the road! not even on a slippy section, but crossing the road whilst waving thanks at the marshalls. She finished of course but needed a quick trip to St Johns to patch up the hole in her hand (I've been helping her dress since cos she can't grip with her left hand).

As ever Mr Graham was our first runner home in a very credible 3:53 taking into account the weather and the fact he had done Abingdon Marathon only 6 days beforehand! I came in next and took 35 mins off my PB with 4:17 which I'm really happy with as I was struggling on the Seven Sisters themselves. I saw Tony Cowell and Julia Binstead finish but have no idea what times they ran. Sarah came in next in 5:49, Dad and Sylvia came in at 9:11 and Heather in her first ever Beachy Head got round in 7:40 - excellent!

As usual we finished the race cursing the weather, the course and everything else saying never again, but this morning we were already planning next years journey to tackle the hills again. Well done to all.

bobby · #2 Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 257

Having done this one I know what heroes you all are. Well done particularly to Heather and Sylvia. Its a pig of a run anyway wihout having to face those conditions. Hope Sarah's hand is not too bad. She hasgot so much courage to keep going back to that run. One time we nearly had to amputate her toe at the throat! You will probably still be finding mud in the middle of the week. Congratulations all of you.

Jo .B. · Joined: 01 Dec 2007 Posts: 21

Well done to all you beachy head marathoners. In those conditions its amazing you all finished. Hats off to you! Dont think i could put myself through that one sounds horrendous.

Stress Head · #1 Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 120 Location: Benfleet

Mr Booty you cheeky bugger!!! My love affair with The Seven Sisters Marathon, (as it was known then), started when I was 18!!

Mind you, much of the last 10 miles yesterday had me thinking I'd be filing for divorce tomorrow morning!!

That said, next year is No 13 and it can't get any worse...........would hate not to turn up for my yearly visit to St. John's