Storm Desmond, man flu and the idea of running a race without Dani and Fab were the thoughts going through my head this morning as I walked up the hill to the start of the Downland Devil 9, but nothing was going to stop me running the tough and hilly course around Church Farm. My brother and I started the race at a leisurely pace but soon found ourselves moving up the field.

Andy’s advice of walking up hills definitely helped and our new trail shoes gave us the much needed grip on the wet and slippery paths. The marshals on the course were both friendly and helpful and the views at the top were spectacular as we reached the halfway point.

It was nice to see some familiar faces on the loop back and a special mention must go out to Rebecca Furth, who ran her furthest race today.

Having ran the race the previous year I was aware that I needed to leave something in the tank for the last hill and it didn’t disappoint. The wind was blowing against us and watching others struggling around you only makes you feel more fatigued. Once at the top its a pleasurable sprint downhill to the finish and the joy of receiving the finishers mug and bag. As my brother said “That’s my wife’s Christmas present sorted”.
It’s definitely one of my favourite runs and would highly recommend it to my fellow Henfield Joggers.

Tom Brown