🖤❤️ HARRIERS CONQUER THE DARK DOWNS! 🌙🔦🏃‍♂️

UK Ultra Dark Downs 50K & Half Marathon – Saturday 3rd October 2026

Three Harriers, two age-category victories, one epic ultra and a whole lot of determination! 💪🖤❤️

The South Downs are challenging enough in broad daylight, but throw in darkness, steep climbs, technical trails, uneven ground and the need to navigate by headtorch, and you’ve got yourself a whole different beast!

The UK Ultra Dark Downs certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted, with runners tackling the spectacular but unforgiving South Downs after sunset.  Every climb feels tougher, every descent demands concentration, and those endless trails become a true test of physical and mental strength.

And three of our brilliant Harriers were more than up for the challenge! 👏

🏆 HALF MARATHON HEROES – DOUBLE AGE-CATEGORY GLORY!

Alan Thornton delivered a cracking performance, finishing in 3:06:34 and claiming victory in his age category! 🥇 Not content with the official half marathon distance, Alan decided to take the scenic route, adding an extra TWO MILES after a slight navigational detour! 😂 Clearly 13.1 miles wasn’t quite enough! An incredible effort and a well-deserved category win!

Pete Daws (The Ledge) was equally magnificent, conquering the challenging course in 3:14:14 and also storming to victory in his age category! 🥇 A fantastic achievement on such demanding terrain, made even more impressive by the darkness.

⛰️ 50K ULTRA LEGEND – BEN VINCE!

Taking things to another level was Ben Vince, who tackled the mighty 50K ultra marathon, crossing the finish line in a superb 7:09:15! 🔥

Over 31 miles of relentless trails, climbs and descents, with only a headtorch to guide the way, this was a serious test of endurance.  Maintaining momentum, concentration and determination for over seven hours in the darkness takes something special. What an absolutely phenomenal achievement, Ben! 👏

A massive congratulations to Alan, Pete and Ben! Three outstanding performances, two category wins and one incredible ultra finish. You’ve done yourselves and Hailsham Harriers incredibly proud! 🖤❤️

🌟🔦 NOT ALL HEROES WEAR RUNNING SHOES!

A very special mention must go to our wonderful Sarah Day, who swapped running for marshalling and generously gave up her Saturday night to support the event.

Sarah was out on the Downs until 4AM, helping runners safely across the finish line! 🌙👏

While most of us were tucked up in our warm beds, Sarah was still out there in the darkness, cheering, encouraging and looking after exhausted runners as they completed their epic challenges.

An absolute superstar and a shining example of our Harriers spirit! Events like these simply couldn’t happen without dedicated volunteers, and we’re incredibly proud of Sarah for giving her time to support others.

A huge shout-out to EVERYONE who took on the Dark Downs, from the runners battling the miles to the amazing marshals and volunteers braving the darkness to keep everyone safe, supported and smiling.

Another fabulous weekend for the mighty Harriers! 🔦🌙🖤❤️