There are 2 runs on my calendar as “must do” for 2014 – and this was one. Louise persuaded me to run it in 2012, promising amazing views from the South Downs. The route climbs up from Worthing onto the Downs on chalky tracks, joining the South Downs Way along a ridge before dropping back down – almost tarmac free. It describes its self as "The Tough One" - I can't disagree! Even tougher for those doing the full marathon.
Back in 2012, rain & mist meant that we couldn’t actually see the tops of the hills were running up, let alone relish the views – and as anyone who has walked on the Downs will know, chalky tracks are very slippery when wet. But we still had a blast. In 2013 – we were both too ill to run. 2014 – time to tackle those hills again.
It was a beautiful morning but neither of us were feeling great – Louise had a cold & I hadn’t slept well. We took the decision that we’d run as a team and not clock watch – just focus on enjoying ourselves. There was a bit of a bottleneck at the start going up a narrow, slippery ascent, but I can’t pretend that I was upset to have to walk a little.
Once past that first hill, the tracks opened up & were mercifully dry so we could actually get some traction. Sky larks, buzzards, bluebells, lambs and glorious views of the Downs, the sea and Sussex stretching north once we’d (finally) reached the main ridge.
The hills were still a killer. We experimented with walking vs running and concluded that it made no difference to our pace!
The race was exceptionally well supported with 4 marshalled stations with water, squash, jelly babies, bananas and choice of cakes at each – plus very enthusiastic marshals. It seems to be a feature of Rotary organised events that the support is so good.
On top of the ridge, we stopped to take photos, feeling very Sound of Music.
The descent was also noticeably easier than last year. We hooked up with another runner who was as obsessed with speed as we were (i.e. not very) and nattered all the way. Even so, the very last bit seemed to take much longer on the way back than it did on the way out despite being more downhill.
Finished 7 minutes faster than in 2012 and had medals placed around our necks by the Mayor of Worthing (#coolmayor) – and we have a fab selfie with our new bestie mayor. More cake, lots of drinks and we headed back to Hampshire.
It’s a nice run, not too big but very well organised. Parking was an issue for many but we were lucky & ended up in possibly the closest space to the start. Probably not helped by there being a new housing estate in the field where we'd parked in 2012! Fab photos are courtesy of Louise.
If you fancy an off road half (or even a full marathon), I recommend it.
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