Race Reports

06 May 12
Location: Beech Hurst Gardens, Haywards Heath, West Sussex  

Date: Sunday 6th May 2012   Time: 10.30 am

The Haywards Heath 10 Mile Race is the second in a three race series which together comprises the Go Mid Sussex Marathon weekend. The other two races are the East Grinstead 10 Mile on Saturday May 5th 2012 and the Burgess Hill 10K on Monday May 7th 2012.

You can run them individually - or take part in all three. If you take part in all three and run 26.2 miles you will receive a specially designed Commemorative Go Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend Medal.

Team relay option with three people running approx. 3.3 miles each

Children's Race

Special weekend packages available to include accommodation and entertainment

All three races held under UKA Rules. Permits applied for.

The race uses an undulating trail and pathway course in and around Haywards Heath, using mainly traffic free routes. Would suit runners of all standards including those new to 10 mile races. Positions in this race count towards overall series prizes for those completing all 26.2 miles over the three races (first 100 male and female finishers in each race score points).

Please note that the race is considered unsuitable for wheelchair athletes. If you have any questions about the suitability of the course for you then please call the Go Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend Office on 01797 230999

Medals to all finishers plus finish line goodies - and there will be other events, attractions and entertainment throughout the weekend at all three races.

http://www.nice-work.org.uk/events.php?id=56

I thoroughly recommend this race, which is well organised and has less than 800 runners (so not enough people to get in the way). Well marshalled plus decent medal and a technical shirt in the goodie-bag. 

Vibram Five-Fingers in training allowed Asics Piranha SP3 shoes to be used for the marathon. The Piranha's weigh 140g each (half the weight of normal marathon shoes) and are considered best for distances up to 5k. By running on the balls of feet there is no need for the heel cushioning but it does stress the calf muscles.

Abingdon Ranked Top in UK For PBs in 2010 Runners World Poll.

This is the first marathon I have ever done "with negative splits". 1:36 out and 1:34 back. Wonderful feeling finishing strongly and being able to sprint the last few hundred metres in an Athletics Stadium to the finish line. All my previous marathon efforts have ended in wall-hit near-death experiences as I crawl over the finish line, having slowed dramatically over the last few miles. Pleasant 10 degrees weather helped.

by Jim Graham

An initial report from Colin:

Start - hot - drink - hot - cramp - hot - drink - stomach cramp - hot - vomit - hot - wave at Kevin (he looks hot)- cramp - hot - where am i - cramp - hot - who am I - hot - who keeps shouting at me - shut up - hot - Finish - beer - where am I

Sounds like you enjoyed it Colin.

Update from Kev:

You forgot to mention run a bit - lose first gel - run a bit more lose another two gels - go to take on nutrition - uh oh empty race belt - throw race belt to side of road as now empty - run into wind and up hill - get tired - wait for feed station - around 11 miles - feel sick eating clif shots - notice its hot - cramp - hot- cramp - see Colin (he looks hot and unhappy) cramp - hot - where am i - cramp - hot - who am I - hot - who keeps shouting at me - shut up - hot - Finish -

   Kevin James race report.

 Can you email me more reports please and photos.

                                                Chip Time        Position

Kevin James (1082)                 3:24:32             339

Colin Chambers (5637)            3:47:59             1120

Samantha Anderson (1276)      3:58:05             1857

Stephen Birchall (9205)            4:05:30             2282

Mark Jordan (5156)                 4:05:51             2280

Kate Walch (6641)                  4:48:55             5138

Kay McMenamin (3444)          4:56:38             5350

Julienne Stuart-Colwill (3988)  5:28:57             6818