CTS SUSSEX ULTRA


The Endurance Life Coastal Trail Series Sussex Ultra. 


'With the world famous Seven Sisters, and far reaching views out over the English Channel, these courses are already attracting international recognition. 

The routes shoulder the coastal towns of Eastbourne and Seaford, which lie to the eastern section of the South Downs National Park. Where the land meets the sea, the results have produced one of the most iconic coastal landscapes of Britain - vast cliffs of brilliant white chalk'



The Sussex event is the seventh in a series of ten across the country. The Ultra route has a scale of 3-Strenuous, with an ascent of 5,800ft. 

Today is my second CTS event in Sussex. The sun is shining and with a light breeze it looks to be a promising day for all the runners attempting the 10k, Half, Full and Ultra Marathon. 



 Clear and sunny start


Winds are due to pick up later with some cloud coverage. the wind will probably be much stronger during the cliff side sections.

A fantastic clear morning greets me in East Sussex. The breeze is still cold but the sun is warm on my skin already. 

Typical I forgot my sunglasses...



Race HQ


Parking is straight forward again this year, just a little further up the road and behind race registration. 

After parking and a short walk I join the short line of runners to collect my chip, bib and sign the waiver. 

I spot Luke and Bryan, some running friends of Nick Morris. Nick is a big fan of the CTS Sussex event but Sadly cannot make it this year. He is nursing a ligament tear in his foot. 


Looks colourful, but quite complicated for some with the different races to register for.


Dipping Chip


10k, Half, Full and Ultra bibs


Waiver signed, chip attached around my wrist, (dip stick chip) number attached to my shorts and tech tee selected. 

I make my way back to the car to drop off the tee as I am required to carry my water, first aid kit, fuel and a waterproof jacket for the ultra event and have nowhere left for this. Or would I want to carry anymore items in my race vest...




I am wearing my usual Salomon S-lab Hydro 5 race vest that holds 2Litres of water and the jacket snugly. 

I have Inov8 Talon-X Trail shoes on my feet. A very good choice for wet muddy terrain but also great hold on the steep lumpy descents and chalky stoned footpaths along the South Downs.


8:15
The race briefing is held by the race director and team for the 100 or so ultra runners, I just make it back from the car in time. 

It seems that there is a slight delay from some of the marshals further along the route, but just a few minutes later we are ready to start. 


The 'Lookout' and Ultra start in the distance


8:37
I cannot spot any familiar faces at the start this year. Usually I see one or two runners I know from other ultra events. 

Today seems to be a tourist crowd and I can hear some guys at the front talking about Beachy Head marathon, which they have only just heard about....

Interesting....

These guys sprint off at a faster than normal pace than you would expect for a longer distance event. We have the full marathon route to follow then the 10k course, once passing through the finish.

Hopefully they know what to expect along the course today, as it gets very tough during the later stages. 


 Those Huskies are going to wear out this runner tugging him along...


Miles 0-12
The track leads up west and over to the Seven Sister Cliff tops, rather like running Beachy Head in reverse as this is the last leg for that race. It brings back good memories but I am very conscious of keeping my climbing to a strong marching hike and running the descents.

I can see the front pack runners tearing up the cliff ahead and soon they are just a speck in the distance. 

One very built stocky runner is being dragged down quite quickly with his two huskies, then up again just as fast...

It looks painful already for him...


The course markings are very clear and it would be hard to go off the route. The sun is still bright and strong with the breeze chilly. The conditions are pretty perfect this morning. 

The route takes the track down to the footpath along the winding River. 

I catch up with some runners here and enjoy some quicker flat pathways...

Once reaching the main road near Westdean, where the marshal guides us across, through the gate, straight up the hill and over the wall. 



Seven Sisters Park


I hike up this section and take in the scenery I just left behind...

Once through some of the woods and many steps, I reach the first aid station in Litlington. I scan my chip with the team and then carry along the road and back on the footpath, then the South Downs Way through Alfriston. 

I can still see the front pack up ahead, about six maybe eight runners. The first few speedy runners are nowhere in sight...


I check my phone and have a few good luck messages. As usual, my family and friends are able to track my progress on Runkeeper Live. A very handy feature, although it does drain the juice, so I always carry and ANKER battery back up pack.


Once looping back onto the South Downs Way, after a short divert along another footpath. The route heads onto dirt tracks through Lullington Heath Nature Reserve. lots of tree roots, ruts and mud, making the terrain tricky to navigate.

I still manage to pick up my pace for some downhill stretches, catching up with some of the other runners in front. 

After 11 miles the tracks lead into Friston Forest where the climb is a long and gradual gradient, then a steep descent until reaching check point two t Westdean. I sip some water then dip my chip into the scanner. A few supporters are here to cheer along the runners. 

Thanking the team I head on up the road we just came, before tacking the right track out towards Eastdean. 



Looking to Firle Beacon


Rain clouds heading to Eastdean



Miles 13-24
After two hours of running I take a SaltStick capsule. I sometimes dissolve a Nuun tablet into my water but I've just been ok with the salt capsules and plain water lately. 

To be honest there is far more electrolytes and benefits in a salt capsule when running ultra and I sprinkle Himalayan salts into my bladder pack first anyway.

Once the route takes in the cliff tops again we follow the edge up and down to Beachy Head then the track that leads steep, vertical down to the very edge of the cliffs. 

Half marathon runners start to overtake me here and are racing down the hill so fast... I like downhill running but I remember from last year how this is like a ski slope! I zig zag my way to slow my speed and watch my footing...



Birling Gap 'The Lookout'


Once the track leads around flat again and towards the South Downs footpath I can steady my pace. 

Where possible I have been running a 7:30/8:00min/mile then power hiking up the climbs at 11:30-13:00min/mile.

At 20 miles in and just before the next check point in Eastbourne I feel slight fatigue and a lull. I take another Saltstick with a gulp of some olive oil and then nibble on salted macadamia nuts. 

I reach the check point and dip my chip, have some water and take a few jelly teddies for my sugar lift. 

Thanking the team I head on the path across from the Cafe by the road bend, then follow the other half marathon runners back up the hill on the South Downs Way...

I chew into the jelly teddy for a sugar trickle and within a few minutes my fatigue and lull is lifted and I feel strong enough to pick the pace up again.

I enjoy some flat and downhill tracks, feeling good and light on my feet again, running at a 7:30min/mile pace...



So tempting to turn right after the marathon finished

Coming into the last half mile for the finish



Miles 25-34
The last mile before reaching the marathon finish takes a loop up and around the field where my car is parked. Which then leads back over the road and then into the finish area. 


12:37
I check my Garmin and see I have reached 4hrs at 26 miles. Now I just need to see if my legs are strong enough to pick up the pace for the last 10k. 

This is all off road trails which is further than a 10k loop usually, so I should add some more time to what I expect to finish. 

Hopefully my 5hr target shouldn't be too far off this year, but I still have plenty of climbs left to do!

I pass the finishing area and follow the 'Ultra' sign leading back along to Birling Gap where we started the race all them hours ago. 

I stop by a table which has a huge water tank to refill my pack. 

Lots of supporters are cheering on the half and marathon runners into the finish. I'd imagine some who are struggling with the ultra distance will drop at the marathon distance instead.

The thought has not even popped into my head and I throw my pack back across my shoulders, making my way down the 10k route.

It starts with the same climb up to the Seven Sister cliffs, before going through a few gates and styles, then leading off away from the sea and north towards East Dean on another footpath. 



I can see a few of the front runners in the distance. Their pace is slowing down. I'm feeling strong enough to pick up quicker and soon enough they get within easy reach of me...

At Crowlink, the next check point which is the route coming back in the other direction from the marathon route. I scan my chip and just have a cup of water before heading back down the steep hill to catch up with the other runners in front.

I reach one, then two as I approach the downhill back towards Birling Gap again. 

I can see one of the faster runners from the start who sprinted away. 

He is still a small speck away but I can tell from his body movements he is struggling, especially with the steep cliff side. 


There are still a fair few runners dotted all along the route heading out towards Beachy Head and others on their way back towards the finish, passing on the inner footpath.

The wind is still very strong but it has eased off a little and moved in direction. 

Once the lighthouse is in view again and the other runner ahead, I feel a second wind to fast hike then jog up the hill. The runner in front is now walking and I manage to make it to him then overtake. 

We congratulate each other for reaching this far. 

I wonder how many others are ahead of him? 


The sign ahead is for the 10k route and I can see an Endurance Life flag on the corner of the bend. Once I approach to scan my chip the team ask if I am running the marathon... I tell them 'no' the ultra. They both reply well done and scan me in... 

My Garmin says 33 miles so I must be close to the finish by now! This is... as I thought further than 10k...

I recognise the track ahead and it is where the marathon route meets up again but coming from the east this time.

I meet other runners on their final victory mile and then pass others until I reach the last stretch into the finish...



The Finish
The sound of cheering and clapping greets me this time, as a larger group of runners have now finished their races.

At 13:52 I make it into the finishing area and scan my chip for the last time. I receive my medal by one of the team then am asked if I have all the mandatory kit on the list. 

Still a little confused with my judgement and taken by surprise, I comply and empty the items from my race vest and waist pack. 



 Very pleased with my 19 min PB today



I am very pleased, yet surprised to find I came in 4th overall on the Ultra 34 today, which is a 19 minute improvement to last years 7th position! 

The trails and hills I have been using as my training have most certainly helped...



Today I was helping raise awareness for the signs of Stroke as I have watched so many friends and family suffer. Recently one of our running friends was a victim to the early stages but luckily acted fast enough to prevent any serious long term damage. She is still recovering and is now on medication. 

This campaign is to show awareness to everyone about Stroke and that also runners are not invincible! 

If you or anyone experience any of these signs you need to act now and act FAST! dial 999...



Out Run Stroke. Today was my day to run and raise awareness for Stroke.


Another year and another well earned CTS medal


4th Place and a PB by 19min. The hill training paid off today!





Ultra Luke 

STEYNING STINGER MARATHON



March in the racing calendar has Steyning AC host the Stinger in West Sussex, which is yet again another sold out event. A very popular off road race with the full and half marathon distance. 

Just under 200 runners arrived today at the Steyning Grammer School to
take to the mud and hills of the South Downs. 

I have the company of Sunday as support and crew today, sadly he missed out on entry for the half marathon but wants to try for next year. He has heard plenty of the amazing scenery and route it takes...

Once parked and inside the School. I collect my race bib and photo stickers for the Pics2Go that are free online for all runners. Another great incentive to attend local events.




We soon spot running friends and meet new Bosh Run members whilst at registration. I catch up with Darren, Nick,  Trefor, Shawn and Donna. Rachel from Gosport runners comes to say hello and to meet Sunday. 

Rachel discovered the Stinger from my previous report on my blog. Which is great, but also worrying if I have not been  accurate enough!?... 

Donna and Rachel are running the half marathon today. They are both very excited. 



Myself, Darren, Shawn and Nick

We are lucky with a break in the wet weather and slightly warmer temperatures today. The wind is still very strong and chilly but the sun is shining for us! 

Slower runners and walkers are allowed to start from 7:30-8:00 and the main group of runners can start at 8:30.






Trefor at the starting area


Shawn and Donna


Once ready, we all head on outside at the back of the school and to the muddy field where the start will be. Small groups at the moment are starting five minutes apart from each other. We chat amongst ourselves and soon enough it is 8:30.

We plod off down the muddy field, taking caution to not slip already. For some it's too late. Luckily I'm in my Inov8 Talon Trails to grip in the sludge. We soon reach a marshal at the end of the field and head up into the woods. 

The route is very much off road today. 

We run up a stretch of tarmac track before meeting gravel at Wiston House, then tree roots and ruts. The track is very wide so it is easy to get into a comfortable pace without crowding. 


The off...


I'm trying to keep around an average of 7:45-7:30min/mile where it is possible, but with the tough mud below I think it will become a much slower pace...

Some of the ruts cannot be seen through the mud and puddles, so plenty of us run through up to ankle deep.


Towards Chanctonbury


The woods are a good 2 mile stretch passing around Chanctonbury Ring before heading to Washington. 


Barnsfarm Hill


Once out from the muddy wood and steep climb it's out onto the open fields of the downs. The grass is very green and the sky is blue. Really picture postcard viewing. A group of Deer even flock away in the distance...


The Stinger route has four 'Stings' resembling steep hills. Some 3,000ft total of elevation changes during the full marathon. The half has two of the climbs.


Barnsfarm Hill at Washington 


4.5 Miles
Just after the first check point, at Washington where our numbers are recorded and a quick water stop. We follow the track uphill towards Chanctonbury. This is very boggy so it's much easier to hike/walk at a 14:00min/mile pace. 

I think the phographer has fun watching everyone suffer trying to reach the top! 




Once at the top and through a wooded area, over styles and back out into the open downs for a longer stretch just passing Sullington. 

The wind is strong and fierce high up and I use my buff to cover my face. 

Once reaching the marshal at Iron Barn we take a sharp left downhill through the fields and then reaching the next check point and water stop.


Just a few puddles




8 Miles
Once guided over the A24 bridge the check point is just by North Farm. Lots of supporters cheer the runners in here and I hear my name being shouted out, but I am unsure who they are...

Once watered the dirt track climbs up again before another sharp turn heading up back towards Chanctonbury Ring.

A group of runners join by my side and we all climb steady at a 9:30min/mile pace.

It is good to spot Darren going up this hill then further up I see Johnathan and Jane Wilkes. They all are looking strong hiking up the hill fast. 



Feeling good half way


Out onto the top at Chanctonbury Ring I can find my pace again and pick things up for some downhill. We all head down the stoned track to Lions Bank where the path splits for the half marathon runners. 

A runner falls over here, quite hard, but is luckily unharmed and picks himself up then carries on...

The full marathon route takes the track south across to Cissbury where the next check point and water stop is.


12.5 Miles
Once my number is recorded at the Cissbury Ring check point. I take some water with a salt capsule, then we head down the narrow track around the golf course. This is very steep and technical in places with mud and tree roots. 

My trail grips are still holding up well which is good knowing I am half way.

The track loops back around the golf course and uphill towards Cissbury Ring again.





Back at the same checkpoint again I am guided to the west and down another steep long track for a good few miles until reaching Bostal.


18 Miles
After some more water then another short and steep climb, before lapping around Steep Down.

The route heads on back down a track, through gates and then takes the northern track back up to Bostal.

I spot Trey here, who I didn't realise was running today. I recognise his running style. He is looking his usual bubbly self and really enjoying the scenery and nice day. Like myself he is using the route as good training for upcoming events.

Always good to see familiar running friends out at races. I will see Trey at the South Downs 50 next...


21 Miles
Just before reaching the check point again I have some of my olive oil, as I am just starting to feel slight fatigue and hunger. 

It is always around this time where I like to top up my energy fuel. I am a slow burner running on fats, so it takes me much longer to top up my running fuel...


Almost there...


The steep climb takes us back to meet the South Downs Way to Upper Beeches, where at 23.5 miles the track leads back down around the woods from the beginning. 

The decline is very steep, muddy and scattered with ruts and tree roots again. Although I am pulled down at a dangerous fast pace, I try my best to keep my eyes glued on where I am placing my feet.

After a mile I nearly miss the arrow sign and marshal to the left, where it is over a style and then a mile long stretch following the fence around the perimeter of the wood. Memories from the last Stinger come back to me and I had forgotten about this last section.

Very undulating and on thick grass, it seems to go on for ages before meeting the fields back at Mouse Lane near the School.


The last mile and the muddiest field


The last mile to go and the worst of the thick mud is now for everyone to enjoy. It is ploughed and big deep ripples of sinking clay, impossible to even walk in. 

I manage to somehow navigate around to the grassy side and try to loose some of the big clumps of mud molded around my feet. 

I feel so much heavier in my legs all a sudden!

Soon enough the muddy patch eases off and it is the last 400m back to where we started. I look behind and cannot see any other runner catching up. Actually it has been quite a lonely spell the past 5 miles now....

 
The Finish


I can see a small group of supporters and then hear the shouts and cheering. Once closer I can spot a Bosh tee or two then Sunday. Steve, Tina and even John Fitzgerald have made it along for the finish.

Rachel is here at the finish after completing the half marathon. She had an amazing race and loved the route and great scenery. We will see her again next year. 

Even Sunday has expressed his keen interest to try the half too.

Such a great surprise! 

Finally the end and I can rest the legs...


The Finish


Garmin check


Tough Mudder


9th Position in 3hr 44min

Full Marathon Results
Half marathon results


Just under 200 runners took part today and I managed a 9th position. Not my quickest time on trail but then this was far muddier than when I ran in 2013. I did say that I would rather use this as a training run today and not overly push really hard as I am happy with staying injury free and conditioned for other races to come.


Rachel finishing the half


The Wilkes at the finish


Shawn Timmons


I go get changed out of my very muddy shoes and put on a warm jacket, then go collect my medal at the School. I head on back to the finish to watch the other runners come in and thank the guys for coming down to see us all. 

Jonathan, Jane, Darren, Trefor and Shawn reach the finish soon enough. Caked in mud and tired but with huge smiles of achievement etched on their faces!

I say goodbye to everyone and have a well deserved breakfast back at the School with Shawn, Donna and Sunday.


Another marathon finish for Nick Jones


Nick soon comes into the School to find us. Very pleased to have finished yet another marathon. 

I think he has realised why it is named the Stinger...

Nick has certainly been ranking up the races and accomplishing a finish at every one he enters! Such a sport and natural. Well done.

Ultra Luke

 

The free well deserved breakfast once finished