Race Report: Worthing Seafront 10K

Posted on behalf of Stella Richardson….

On Sunday, I ran my first 10K since 2018, namely the Worthing Seafront 10K organised by MCC Promotions and fortunately recognised by England Athletics as an affiliated event, despite being advertised as a Fun Run!

“Bracing" was an understatement and hardly an accurate description for the conditions along the sea front at 10am as it was obvious that Storm Boelo was still alive and well, although clearly not as treacherous as the force with which it hit the Northern areas of the UK and NI overnight. On the drive down from Langton to Worthing in the early hours, many trees were down and laying across the road so I guessed the weather conditions would not be very conducive for racing.

On arrival, it immediately became obvious that there was no “inside” area to gather, collect your number, go to the loo or leave your bag out of the weather. Every bit of pre-race admin took place on the patch of grass by Splashpoint (where the race commenced on the promenade) and utilised the same field as the Parkrun finish. How it would have worked if it was lashing with rain I have no idea, as the gale force winds were enough to contend with. That being said, the organisation was impeccable and the marshals were all very friendly and helpful.

I walked to the start with the very tall and very lovely Luca Calton from TWH and we both admitted that we had only chosen this race as it was completely flat. We clearly had not at the point of entry, envisaged any weather impediments that frequently occur in late October on the South Coast!

As soon as the bell rang for the start, it was obvious that we were running into the wind for the first half and I have no idea how Luca felt, but I felt as if I was running into treacle. It seemed impossible to push forward with any force at all and I had to keep turning my head sideways to breathe properly as there was just too much wind rushing towards you to enable a good breathing rhythm to establish. As we approached the Bluebird café at Goring, the next village along from Worthing, we were then directed for a short distance to actually race on the pebble beach, then duck through a tiny gap in the Gorse hedge continuing on a slight incline, to run the whole distance of Goring Green and back again on grass before returning to the promenade for the final 3 miles. I might add that Luca, on his return lap gave me a terrific “whoop” and thumbs up to encourage me. This was very much appreciated as when I saw the pebbles ahead of me that we had to run on, I felt like giving up!! The final 3 miles with the wind behind made for easier running without a doubt, although I kept being blown like a crab sideways into the beach huts but at least I could breathe which was a bonus. There was great crowd support as we reached the pier and turned into the final bend and onto the grass for the finish funnel, collected our medals and water and everyone was full of their own stories of how they will never forget running in such challenging conditions.

Fish and chips with Peter and Rosie dog, washed down with a beer, at the Arcade Restaurant opposite the pier, was the perfect end to my return to 10k racing. I may however pick a flatter course INLAND for the next one…….

Results:-

Male winner

Jordan Thornton 36.36

Female winner

Maisie Trafford 36.44

TWH

Luca Calton (14th) 41.56

Stella Richardson (150th) 57.23

Race entries 321