Hove Park 5k Race Report

Race Report for the Hove Park 5K Fun Run – by Kerry Bonham
I really wasn’t sure what to expect as I got into Dani and Fabian’s car at HLC on Sunday morning. After all, 12 weeks ago, I couldn’t even run for one minute without feeling like I would keel over! Yet here I was in my green vest, off to Hove Park for the WSFRL Hove Park 5K with Dani, Fabian and Amanda.
So, off we went to Hove! On arrival, we got the flag pole up and sorted out the numbers (that’s a whole other story isn’t it Dani?). Then it was a quick pit stop to the loo ‘just in case’, before whizzing off to the start line. The lovely Lorna very kindly said she would run with me, so I knew I was in safe hands.
Toooooot!! The klaxon sounded, and we were off!! Some people zoomed off like rockets, but my plan was to just keep plodding on for the 2.5 laps, and only walk if I really needed to.
During the race, we saw people of all ages and abilities walking, jogging, running, and almost sprinting! We cheered on our fellow Henfield Joggers, and had so many people encouraging us in return. It honestly made such a difference, and certainly kept a smile on my face!
We’d had a sprinkling of rain while we’d been waiting for the race to start, but as we entered the final lap, the temperature got warmer and warmer as the sun tried to come out. Still, we kept going, kept cheering, and kept smiling.
Then, as we came round the last corner, we could see and hear our fellow Joggers spurring us on. I had managed to run the whole way so far, and I wasn’t going to let the Joggers down now. Lorna and I looked at each other, and with a mutual nod, we gave it all we could, running as fast as we could to High Five our friends, and get across the finish line!!
When I signed up for the Beginners Group those few months ago, I remember being asked what I hoped to achieve. My response? To run 5K non-stop before I was 30 years old. Guess what? By completing the Hove Park Fun Run, I did just that, with 3 days to spare! (My birthday is Wednesday 17th June)
I can honestly say that I never thought I would be able to run, let alone enjoy it. I have changed for the better both physically and mentally. I am fitter, healthier and happier than ever before. Henfield Joggers have been so supportive throughout my running journey, and I am proud to be part of the club.
Thank you HJ!
Kerry Bonham – newbie!