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On a very  wet  Bank Holiday Sunday morning, there were three Henfield Joggers vests lined up in King’s Lynn, Cynthia and Mick Dee, and myself.  It is a one lap, traffic free course around King’s Lynn, which takes in the town centre, the River Ouse pathway, the award winning  town centre park (The Walks) and a number of iconic, historical buildings such as the Red Mount, the Custom
House and Greyfriars Tower.

It is a very flat course, which encourages fast times, also providing 2 water stations at 5K and 7.5K and of course, at the finish.

The varied and picturesque course had musicians and dancers to help you enjoy your run, which we all did. Spectators always line the route to create a marvellous atmosphere. Voted the most
improved race in the country, and given an award by David Bedford.

This year was the 10th anniversary, and it was the wettest, but biggest ever.About 3,000 runners braved the rain in the 10K and the Mini Fun Run. We made a long weekend of it and and were very pleased with the lovely medal , specially done for the 10th running of this event. We were even interviewed on the commentators bus, as we had travelled a long way for the race, but well worth it.

Jenny

Having held over my London Marathon place from last year, I volunteered to help at this year’s Brighton Marathon as fortnight earlier as, although I am told I sometimes lack commonsense, I would not attempt to run two marathons in two weeks. I belong to the BOSH running group on facebook and I put a message on their site, offering accommodation to any runner, male or female, who was running in the event. A lady contacted me and she and her friend stayed the night before the race, so I had to be up early to get them to the start well before 9.15am.

Having left them as close to Preston Park as the road closures would allow, I returned to Madeira Drive to get my instructions at the Volunteer tent. However, although there was an earlier 10k race, there really wasn’t much to do until the finishers in the marathon started coming through. I was allocated the job of providing foil blankets, which proved far more fiddly than it may appear, as each one is individually wrapped in a plastic bag that has to be discarded – in a refuse sack, of course – before the blanket is unravelled and put round the runner’s shoulders.

It was quite hard work, particularly at the peak finishing time of between 4 and 4.5 hours, but what struck me was the monumental effort that people had put in – not possibly as evident amongst the very elite group, but even some of the sub-3 hour finishers were staggering around after crossing the finish line. Not so however our Andy, who appeared remarkably fresh, despite coming in under 3 hours – quite an emotional moment. In fact the pervading feeling was of emotion, as people had pushed themselves to the very limit and some were too tired even to speak, let alone unravel a foil blanket themselves!

The results and photos appear below, but many congratulations are also due to Ilidia, Simon and Colin for all winning their individual battles and not only starting, but finishing.

Hugh

RESULTS

Andy Massingale – 2:58:22
Ilidia Campbell – 4:12:26 (Pacer for 4:15)
Marcus Dwyer – 4:12:26
Simon Funnell – 4:56 (chip problem at finish so timed from watch)
Colin Clegg – 5:35:04
Note that both Simon and Colin slowed to assist another runner! Just saying
Note also – if I missed you let me know – I can’t search by Club so have only found people I KNOW ran!

On  4^th April  Michael and Cynthia Dee, plus myself took part in the Friston Forest Five Miler, which is a laid back , relaxed race,  and welcomes walkers and dog runners. There is also an Adder 10 Mile which is 2 laps of the 5.

There is no vehicular access, so no water station on the course, but a bottle of water is provided to take with you, with replacement bottles at the end of lap 1 for the 10 milers.

A very nice undulating run on the tracks and trails of Friston Forest, muddy in parts, with pink and blue arrows on the ground to show you the way. Only about 40 entrants took part over both races, but will be going back next year for this one.

Jenny Cobby

I wasn’t sure about running this after my longest ever run on Saturday. (Just for the record I don’t need increase my distance every time I run on a Saturday now pleeeese – I’m happy at 13 miles or less guys). Everything conspired against me ‘wussing out’. My hip & knee pain from Saturday had magically disappeared, I wasn’t needed to help out a friend as I had half promised and we arrived early so parking wasn’t an issue. I couldn’t even escape out of the stadium Danielle had spotted me as soon as I got a toe on the grass.

It was a beautiful morning, well actually it was a bit too warm for my leggings & multiple layers. One of these days I’ll get it right. The nicest thing about running with the Joggers is the chit chat beforehand, less time to worry about getting round.

All too soon it was time to run. I’m getting better at not hareing off & the size of the field & the bit of a bottle neck at the start worked in my favour. I was horrified at the 1km marker to realise the distance was probably going to be indicated all the way round. I’d much rather run in blind ignorance & be surprised by the finish line. Hey ho it wasn’t to be, BUT I had several of the iconic green jerseys in front of me which gave me something to aim for.

It is a lovely run and I was glad I’d asked what sort of shoes I should wear as there is probably more hard surface than field running. I had no time to appreciate yet another area of Sussex that is new to me. I’m so glad when you run close to people who are having a conversation, if you are nosy like me you can forget the effort of putting one foot in front of the other until they leave you in their wake. My least favourite part of the run was the uphill section between mile 3-4. I’m sure that most people didn’t even think about it being a “hill” but in true Lesley style I walked for a few paces close to the top, then gave myself a pep talk.

The marshals were friendly and there was a little girl of about 8 who was doing her best to encourage us all. I needed it at that stage as I’d just been overtaken by a chap who looked to be all of 80. Now it’s all over I thoroughly enjoyed the run and would recommend it other novices. My lesson from today was if it is fine take water. I was parched by the end. Equally I need to remember that I’ve never been a sprinter & getting onto the track and legging it is never going to work for me. I was taking another walking break on the final bend of the track when I was roundly scolded by a photographer who told me that I hadn’t finished my race. Oh well one last push if you insist and then there were the Joggers shouting you home.

Six months ago I wouldn’t have dreamed I would be running regularly and enjoying it. Thank you Joggers.

Les

RESULTS