Haywards Heath Harriers face the challenges of Eastbourne head on

The race, now in its tenth year, is a technical challenge with a severe climb towards Beachy Head in the opening miles, a twisting section through Sovereign Harbour and on race day, punishing head winds along the sea front adding to the difficulty.

The Haywards Heath Harriers, victorious in the Sussex Grand Prix last season, are looking to secure back to back success and they did not disappoint in this race.

Kim Lo was fourth amongst the ladies with an excellent performance to clock 1:30:59 in these conditions. Kim’s time was also enough to break the Harriers’ age group record for the distance. Amanda Soper ran well and was next home in 1:48:13.

For the men, Paul Cousins finished a brilliant 13th overall with a stunning time of 1:21:39. Steve Dallman (1:28:15) was under the 90 minute mark as was Phil Payne (1:28:59) despite running twelve miles on the South Downs with a heavy back pack on Saturday as part of his Marathon des Sables training.

Full results

Jason Russell (1:31:57); Rob Coomber (1:36:44); Carl Bicknell (1:41:21); Jack Chivers (1:47:33); Graham Jenner (1:48:18); Sarah Banks (1:48:50); Matt Quinton (1:52:11); Verity Coombes (1:52:14) Errol Curling (1:55:10); Richard Neale (2:08:43); Peter Cobbett (2:11:50); Natalie Chivers (2:22:18).

Clair parkrun

The male course record was smashed at the Clair parkrun on Saturday with Simon Heath from Reading AC winning in 16:28. Harrier Paul Tomlinson was second in 17:32, just outside his best time. Tom Mullen was third in 17:44 - a new personal best, despite celebrating at the Club’s awards ceremony the night before. Juniors Tom Spensley (23:02) and Morgan Bean (24:52) also clocked new personal best times as did Barry Tullett (19:49) who was one of seven members of the Tullett family taking part.