A good turnout for the Flyers, 18 set off with 502 other runners around the green onto the  promenade towards the river, and down a ramp onto the Beach with Liam vying for first place already. Sharp left around the end of the first breakwater, off towards Rustington.  The tide was well out and the compacted wet sand was very flat with many stony pools. The sand gives very little assistance, absorbing much energy. The Flyers were running into a cool breeze of about 15 MPH, the good news being, that it would be on the runners backs after the turn, past Rustington beach. Liam B. again led the Flyers home in a brilliant time of 26:37, (that is 5: something minute/mile). Second place overall. Paul Q. was the second Flyer home another fantastic time 31:40. Our third Flyer, Justin C. wasn’t far behind in another good time of 33:50. Our first lady home again, was Rosie G an exemplary time of 35:10 (I would like to say a special thank you to Rosie for turning out in the middle of her exams to run for us). Miriam V. was our second  lady home in an excellent time of 36:47, Shaun J. 37:15 was the next male Flyer, followed by Linda T. 41:35, again an excellent time for our third lady. Close behind came Michelle C. in 43:16. Next came Peter R. in 47:20, then Gillian U. ran in 49:02 closely followed by Mark A. 49:40, Nigel P. 53:14 closely followed by Jenny C. 54:04 (running with an injury) Sue M. 55:48, Gerald G-C. 63:46 (an excellent run for this young man in his 80s) followed by Janet L and Sarita G. 65:40 ish, ran in together completing the finishers. For Janet L and and Sue M it was their first WSFRL race for us. It was a special occasion for Sarita who has now done the Beach run twice a celebration as it was her first League race a year ago.

About 14 of us runners and supporters had well deserved Fish and Chips at the end, (Just like the old days). A great turnout for this unusual run, well done to you all, runners and supporters.    John N.

PS. When Jeff and I returned with the fish and chips we discovered that Liam was not the first Flyer back. Unfortunately Jane had returned after running a few hundred metres because she had a terrible migraine, her main reason for being upset was not the pain of the migraine but the fact it was the first time she had not completed a run. I tried to sympathise by saying all runners have at least one DNF.

PPS. The next run is the Haywards Heath Downland Dash. Downlands Community School, Dale Avenue, Hassocks, BN6 8LP start time 12:30. Please try to arrive by 12:00.  NB. closing date for entries  is 10pm Sunday 18th.