Organised by local events team UK Ultra Ltd the inaugural South Downs 20 miles took place on Sunday 7th August.

120 runners gathered on a beautiful Summers morning at the stunning location of The Rathfinny Wine Estate in Alfriston.

Of those 120 runners, six Hailsham Harriers set off to tackle the undulating, point to point route through the South Downs National park towards Eastbourne promenade and finishing past Helen gardens to a red carpet finish. For many, much of the route would have been very familiar as our club Sunday Socials usually frequent the routes, not to mention the Beachy Head marathon.

First Home for the Harriers saw Alissa fly through the finish tape to take first place female in 3:11:02 with The Leeks (after a slight detour at East Dean) hot on her heels finishing in an incredible 3:23:23.  Mik Husarz had an awesome run and looked superb as he crossed the finish in 3:39:34, before the beautiful duo of Hannah DC and Victoria Little beamed with huge smiles as they flew down St Bedes Hill together to finish in 4:31:17 

With around 2000 feet of elevation, many areas with little or no shade and a day that saw temperatures near 30°C you guys are truly amazing.  From what we heard at the finish, the support of runners towards each other, along with all the amazing marshals, spectators and organisers was truly magnificent. You should feel incredibly proud.

A big shout out to Darren Gillet in the 20 miler and Marcos Jarvis in the 100 miler.  Darren reached 18.5 miles before making the difficult decision to pull out due to illness and Marcos reached a whopping 67 miles before, again, making the heart wrenching decision to retire due to an ankle injury.  You are still incredible in our eyes and those are fabulous achievements in their own right.  We know you’ll both be back for more.  Well done for taking the time to look out for yourselves.

Team black and red are hugely proud of you all.