Good Friday – 18th April 2025 🐣

Ruby Murrie (Don Currie) headed to Folkestone on Hot Cross Bun today to kickstart his weekend of Easter celebrations 🐣.  Read below Don’s account of a fab morning by the sea 🌊

The Folkestone 10 mile race takes place every year on Good Friday. I first completed it in 1999 and also took part last year. The race starts in Hythe Green where runners complete a lap of the field before heading out along the road to the seafront, and then eastwards along the prom towards Folkestone until just over 5 miles before turning back.

It is very flat and has PB potential if the conditions are good. Last year’s race was especially windy, particularly on the return stretch. This year’s conditions were more favourable; a slight breeze on going out, and behind on the return. However, it did get quite warm, and for anyone that doesn’t like the heat it is a good idea to make sure you are sufficiently hydrated for this one.

I was keen not to start too quickly, and although not really having any race plan as such, I would have liked to have hovered around the 7:30 min/mile pace after the first mile or so. This wasn’t to be and I could see my vague hope of completing in under 75 minutes was not going to be. At about 9.5 miles there is the welcome turn from the prom onto the road and head towards the finish.

From the road and back into the park I put in a valiant effort to the finish line and crossed it in 1:17:45 (chip). I was pleased with my time, even if it was a bit slower than last year.

All in all, the Folkestone 10 is a great race and one which I would highly recommend. It is well-organized and there are plenty of supportive marshals throughout the course. 10 mile events have become a bit more of a rarity over the years so it’s encouraging to see the continued appeal of this well-established race.

Once over the finish line, I was pleased to receive my medal and, as it was Good Friday, a Cadbury Creme Egg. There weren’t any buns though, but I didn’t get too hot or cross about that! 😂

Don

🎤 An eggcellent report Don and a nice touch to receive a creme egg 😋 worth it just for that 😂 A cracking time too and certainly one for the diary next year.