Seven Stiles

A light drizzle was falling when I arrived in the car park at Henfield Leisure Centre, I collected the numbers and put the flag up by 10 o’clock and the sun was shining at 10:30, when 31 juniors set off for their mile run. At Just before 11:00 o’clock we (334 runners including 11 keen Flyers) were called to the start line to be told the bad news, two trees had been blown down during the night one had been sorted out, but one could not be moved thus a change of course was necessary. The good news was that it made the run a bit shorter, and I discovered after two K, took out one of the hills. As a consequence at the start we had to run around the field twice which meant I was lapped by Liam in the front (and most of the other runners) before I had completed the first lap. We ran around two fields to the Downs Link, but the change of course meant we had to run straight across, along the side of another field. Sharp right took us back on to the original route, around a corner, up a hill, and down a long hill to the river bank. By this time I was on my own, a chat to one of the marshals told me Liam had won. (In 22 mins) and I discovered later was probably back at home. I was about half way.  The river bank was quite rough and uneven, so, as I was soon out of breath, I confess I walked much of it. Up the slope, through the gate (there are no styles any more) and back on to the Downs Link, heading for the finish. After a hundred metres or so I could see a young lady running towards me and I realised it was Jackie M D my running partner and Wild! Bird advisor. I knew she was “wild” because she had told me not to run! (I should have listened to her, she was right). If you can call 20 minutes a mile running? Another group of Flyers came back to encourage me and in no time, (10 Minutes)  I was back in the field and crossing the finish line, well over the hour!! All the other flyers ran very well, and recorded some excellent times, Liam 22:09. Just over 5:5 minutes / Mile. (Not too bad), Linda, First Lady Flyer 37 Mins. Penny, Second Lady 39 Mins. Mark, Second Man 41 Mins. Nigel, Third Man 44 Mins. Jenny Third Lady 45 Mins. Sarita, was next, followed by Sue M. Janet and Stephen, All in about 52 Mins. Well under the hour. Then me sometime later in the afternoon, but before it got too dark. Thank you to  all the Fittleworth Flyers, the Marshals and other runners for their support John N.