A relay like no other
Just catching up with posts after a few days away - and had to do one from last weekend on a wonderful, truly memorable event full of stella performances: the 100mile South Downs Way Relay.
The South Downs Way Relay is an amazing challenge, drawing in top running clubs from all over the South of England - and now for the second year, our own Brighton Tri Club. Only one other tri club gets invited (Horsham Amphibians where I also happen to coach).
The team of six runners have to cover the whole of the 100miles against tight cut off times, with each runner doing three stages of around 5-9 miles - effectively running three races in a day over the toughest terrain going. And while one team member runs, the rest hurtle through the country lanes to get to the next hand over point. So its a mix of sheer endurance will power plus some slightly hairy driving and navigation.
This year (like last year) we had a great team in the Mixed category - old hands from last year Gill, Ian and Keith and newbies Laura, Jo and Graham. I was the driver and general supporter.
Big big achievements all round - everyone surpassing their estimated times, no one getting lost, every hand over point reached in time (though one with 20secs to spare), masses and masses of flapjacks, pizzas, gels and energy drinks consumed and enormous grins all round as the team completed in just over 13 hours.
Gallery photos below from Graham Smiffy give a flavour of how much fun we had.