Having missed the deadline for Cranleigh, I found this local 10k which seemed to have largely missed the club radar. Expecting to be the only Henfield Jogger there I was pleased to see Jackie who was running with a group for the Alzheimers Society.
The race starts in the central square of the spectacular Christs Hospital school. After a circuit of the grounds, it’s along the downslink to Southwater, a circuit of Southwater Country Park, then back along the downslink. It’s mainly flat other than some small hills in Southwater and a good, firm, mainly off road surface. I’ve been suffering from a heavy cold since Wednesday and did 11 miles with the Saturday morning group (madness) so wasn’t expecting a good time. However conditions were perfect and having gone through the first mile in 8.13 and the second in 8.23 I was feeling motivated to keep the pressure on and managed to keep a consistent pace right through. I missed the Henfield ‘rivalry’ but there was plenty from my other clubs of Horsham and Lingfield. I finished in 52.09 and Jackie came in at 55.34
This was a very well organised race with 300 runners. Chip timing, medals and prizes (BTW, How about a prize for the first runner over 14 stone? I’m sure I could win that seeing all these skinny runners ahead!) A nice scenic route despite the drizzle and good surfaces. I’d certainly recommend it for next year.
