Brighton Marathon

The backdrop of glistening sea, it’s bustling town and its reputation as the 2nd fastest course in the country is enough to draw over 12000 Runners to the Seaside resort of Brighton to take part in the ninth running of the marathon there.

Six Roadrunners took on the challenge this year, a real spectrum of experience. From Steve Hickman running his 147th to Kim Hulacka running her 1st.

Starting at a Preston Park, the course snakes its way through the city, before heading out to Ovingdean. The runners then made their way back towards the pier and along the seafront into Hove. They then emerge back onto the seafront and out to the dreaded power station at Southwick. From there the welcome sight of Hove lawns take the runners back along the Kingsway with the mirage of the never approaching Pier (and the finish line) dangling in front of them like a carrot.

Luckily the promised warm weather hadn’t yet arrived and conditions were perfect as they made their way around the course. They all smashed their way around the first half of the distance, passing the pier, knowing that the next time they see it, they’ll be at mile 26.

Steve Rumsey was the first roadrunner back in a phenomenal 3hrs 5 minutes, improving on his time from last year. No mean feat considering a lengthy absence from training through injury.

“I’m pleased with how it went, especially the first 20 miles. The lack of training took its toll then”

Next home were friends of 34 years Jess Hill and Kim Hulacka. Despite their misgivings before the race they managed to beat their demons, and run their socks off.

“Amazingly I loved it! I went into the race not feeling confident at all… in fact I deferred my London place this year because I felt I hadn’t trained well enough” Jess tells me “but I felt good most of the way… I can’t wait for London next year now!”

Excited she should be. Jess managed to storm home with a massive 17 minute Pb to cross the line in just over 4 and a quarter hours.

Kim wasn’t far behind her. What a result for the rookie! Despite telling me how nervous she was when I bumped into her the week before the race, she showed no sign of it on the day as she rose to the occasion.

“I really enjoyed all of it! I never hit the dreaded wall! I am so happy with my time”

Pete Dixon was next down the finishing straight, also cracking his pb by 9 minutes to finish in under 4 and a half hours.

“I was running well until I got to 16 miles and I had a bit of a wobble” he tells me “I nearly passed out”

But Pete recovered himself and got the job finished in an amazing time. New member Sam Grist was next to receive his medal as he annihilated his previous PB by a eye watering 38 minutes. Fantastic running fellas well done!

Last by no means least was our marathon magnate Steve Hickman. Having run this event every single year since it’s inception, steve chose to do things a little differently this year. Instead of running it for himself, he chose to pace round his “marathon pupil” Sarah Homewood from his 2nd claim club Ashford and District. What a great job he did too! With a target time of under 5 hours, Steve paced Sarah round to a cracking time of 4 hours and 50 minutes on the nose.