Saturday 23rd May 2026

With temperatures soaring into the high 20s and touching 30°C in places, the UK Ultra South Downs Challenge proved to be one of the toughest tests of endurance imaginable.

The relentless sun ☀️, exposed trails and rolling South Downs terrain combined to create brutally demanding conditions for all competitors, making every mile an achievement in itself.

Representing Hailsham Harriers, Mick Husarz 🏃🏽 took on the challenging 50km event, while Sarah Day 🌷 and Club Secretary Louisa Geer 👩🏼‍💻bravely stepped up to the formidable 100km distance.

In the 50km race, Mick produced a superb performance, showing strength and determination throughout.  Battling the heat and the undulating course, he kept moving forward when many runners were struggling, demonstrating the perseverance that ultra-running demands.  Crossing the finish line in 6:38:01 – what a remarkable performance 🙌

The 100km event was an even greater test.  Sarah Day 🌷 and Louisa Geer 👩🏼‍💻started together the long journey across the South Downs under the relentless summer sun.  Despite the extreme conditions, both showed incredible courage and determination.

Louisa’s race came to an end at an astonishing 65km.  While she was unable to continue to the finish, her achievement should not be measured by the point at which she stopped.   Reaching 65km in such punishing conditions is a phenomenal accomplishment and, remarkably, the furthest distance she has ever run.  It was a performance that demonstrated immense strength and bravery, and one she should be enormously proud of 🙌

Sarah, meanwhile, dug deep and continued her journey through the heat, fatigue and countless challenges that this ultra-running event delivered.   Her determination never wavered as she pushed on to complete the demanding 100km course in 17:36:39 placing second🥈in age, an outstanding achievement and a testament to her toughness both physically and mentally.

Completing an ultra in those conditions is remarkable, and everyone who stood on that start line should be immensely proud.

Whether crossing the finish line or achieving a personal distance milestone, on a day when simply continuing forward was a victory, Mick, Sarah and Louisa you’re absolute stars and we are all very proud of you⭐