Five hundred people took to the streets of Seaford on Saturday, June 8 to complete the town’s half marathon in glorious sunshine.
The weather made it challenging for the runners and while the finish times were slightly slower than last year, the amount raised for charity was the same with £5,000 being collected for local good causes.
The annual is event is organised by Newhaven, Peacehaven and Seaford Lions and starts at Seaford seafront before heading to Bishopstone village. After this, the race is almost exclusively off-road.
Event organiser Trevor Gomersall said, “We had 500 runners, which was about the same as last year.
“It was very warm and conditions were challenging with times down on last year. We raised about the same amount as last year.
“The views are spectacular on this part of the course and the route is shared with just the odd rambler and mountain biker before a welcome but tricky descent into Alfriston.
“Next is a stretch on a somewhat rutted path along the Cuckmere Valley to Exceat before one final climb to South Hill Barn.
“The end is then literally in sight as the ankle twisting descent of Seaford Head is negotiated. After that, those having anything left in their legs had the opportunity for a sprint in the final mile along the seafront to the finish.”
First across the line was Dan Vaughan (Arena 80) in 1hour 30mins 05secs. The first woman was Sue Fry in 1:3642.
While the event raises money for local good causes, organisers NPS Lions has also recently donated money to the Breakout Centre in Newhaven and the 60+ Club in Seaford.
The group also highlighted some of its forthcoming fundraising events, which will include the popular Donkey Derbies in Peacehaven and Seaford.
Peacehaven Donkey Derby will take place on Sunday, July 13 at 1pm. There will be arena events, donkey racing and stalls and the NPS Lions is currently looking for jockeys to take part. To find out more visit the Lions’ website.
Seaford Donkey Derby will take place on Monday, August 25, more details of which will follow in the coming weeks.
If you are interested in the Lions and the work it does, give them a call on 0845 833 5981
The Lions’ website can be found by visiting www.npslions.co.uk.