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Lewes AC runners take up four challenging events in four days
In just four days there were four challenging events that tested the mettle of over 70 Lewes AC runners. On Thursday 11th September 50 runners took part in the Masters Mantell Challenge a handicapped race over the Sussex Downs from Lewes to Black Cap and back. 7 runners tested themselves at the Firle Half Marathon again a tough run over the Sussex Downs. Not to be outdone 13 runners ran the Hellingly 10K with a single Lewes runner taking on the challenge of the three Isle of Wight fell races.
The first of the challenges was the Masters Mantell handicapped 5.2 mile race over the Sussex Downs up to Black Cap and back. This was an event open only to club members whereby each runner is given a time so that the slowest start first and the fastest runners later. If the handicapping is right this gives all runners an equal chance of winning. The evening was just right for running although it was getting a little dark towards the end of the race (see photograph)
First across the line and winning the Masters Mantell trophy was Peter Miller the Club’s Treasurer closely followed by all the other 49 runners. In addition to the trophy ‘age graded’ trophies were awarded. These are based on how close a runner’s time gets to a world class time expressed as a percentage.
Claiming the awards were Toby Baker (M15-19 75-65%) Mathew Basford (M20-29-75.38%) Mike Ellicock (M30-39-78.96%) Chris Gilbert (M40-49–80.20%) Nick Parrish (M50-59-76.80%) Andrew Chitty (M60+ 78.71%) The awards in the women’s age categories were (Ruby Whyte-Wilding (F15-19-72.32%) Emma Rollings (F30-39-76.07%) Helen Sida (F40-49-78.23%) Karin Divall (F50-59-76.99%)
There were 7 club members on Sunday taking on the challenge of the Firle Half Marathon across the Sussex Downs. Finishing in a very credible 9th position overall was Martin Komen in a time of 1hour 33.49mins. Two places behind in 11th position was Mauro Lazzati in 1hour 34.22mins. Finishing as 5th women in 38th overall was Sarah Godley in 1hour 46.31mins.
Also on the Sunday was the Hellingly 10 race held over an undulating course where Lewes AC runners scored some notable individual and team successes. Leading the charge were the Bradford brothers who came first and second in the race. Matt won the race with a time of 33mins 58secs followed by David in 34.39. Backing up the Bradfords to win the men’s team prize were Lewis Sida in 6th position (35.44) and Chris Gilbert in 7th position (36.28)
Backing up winning the race and men’s team prize there were some first class performances in the veteran age categories where Lewes runners picked up 7 awards. Chris Gilbert (1st VM1) Lewis Sida (1st VM2) Ian Hlder (2nd VM4) Andrew Chitty (2nd VM5) Helen Sida (2nd VW3) Karin Divall (2nd VW4) Meredith Gilbert (2nd JW)
The toughest of the challenges must be the Isle of Wight fell races where to win an award three hilly races must be completed over two days. Taking up the challenge was Andrew Masters who won first prize in the over 40 category. On Saturday in race one run over 3 miles he was 6th overall and 1st man over 40. The second race on the same day over 7 miles he was 14th overall and 2nd man age over 40 and in the last race on the Sunday over a very hilly 13 miles Andrew was 19th overall and 3rd in his age category. Combining the 1st 2nd and 3rd comfortably gave Andrew the trophy for first man over 40.