DOWNS LINK ULTRA

A 37 mile (59km) shared footpath and bridleway linking the North Downs Way at St Martha’s Hill, Surrey with the South Downs Way near Bramber, West Sussex and on via the Coastal Link to Shoreham-by Sea.

The route follows two disused railway lines and crosses the Surrey Hills, the Low Weald, the South Downs and the Coastal Plain. Since the trains departed in the 1960s the embankments and cuttings have become a green corridor for wildlife and people. The route connects a variety of habitats, passing banks of wildflowers, trees, hedges, woodlands, rivers, ponds and streams.



The landscape is varied as the trail crosses the different layers of rock and soil that lie between the North and South Downs. The acid sandy soils of the greensand ridge at St Martha’s Hill give way to the Low Weald clays at the county border, then in places there are beds of hard sandstone known as ‘Horsham Slab’, much used for roofing in days gone by.

LUNA-tic MARATHON

Sussex Trail Events host their third river series marathon tonight starting at 8pm in Shoreham. The trail route takes the Downslink then the river bank along the River Adur, making three loops in total using the footbridge and then the bridge at Bramber. Once back at the footbridge the route is diverted on the road passing the airport, before heading back to the Shoreham recreation ground for the finish. 

Runners gather on the recreation ground for the race briefing 

Tonight is my first go at running this event. I am familiar with the route, as I have crewed at one of the checkpoints in the past, then run the Darkstar marathon which is held at the end of January, uses both sides of the river. 

The weather has been extremly dry throughout June, with low humidity and no rainfall since May. The temperature is currently 22C... yet it actually feels like over 25C with the heat index heating up the ground...

I reach the Shoreham Recreation ground in good time to get one of the last parking spaces. I collect my number and catch up with Chris and John who has come to watch the start and see the other runners. 

It is always good to see running friends to catch up, but it never seems enough time as soon enough we make our way over to the starting field and the race briefing...

The Downslink along River Adur

The start takes in two laps of the recreation field before going over the bridge to the otherside of the River Adur, where the route is diverted onto the Old Shoreham road, until reaching the Downslink footpath near the Amsterdam pub. 

The field starts to spread out and I can count atleast three other runners infront of me, Paul Sargeant, as usual is taking the lead...

The start of lap one around the river (photo by Jon Lavis)

The river bank is overgrown, yet the ground is so bone dry it is more like running on the road. I try to settle into my run and take in the pleasant scenery of the sundown and riverbank..

After a few miles in I am already feeling very warm and sweating much more than I am used to..

Sundown on the lower downs (photo by Jon Lavis)

Once reaching the South Downs bridge I know it is only a short while before reaching the first checkpoint at Bramber. Here the route goes over the bridge, near the Kings Head pub, to the other side of the river bank and back down towards Shoreham Airport. 

I take some water and add some coke to it. Jay (RD) is here to check on the runners passing through...


I thank the guys and head on up the river towards the bridge. Supporters are cheering runners on, some who I am sure were further down earlier... they are extremley enthusiastic, which is always a bonus and a boost! 

As it is saturday night, on a very warm evening, no doubt they have popped into    the pub already!...

Endless dry dirt tracks on the river bank (photo by Jon Lavis)

Once on the otherside of the River Adur, I head back down to the wooden footbridge, near the airport for the first loop. The light is fading fast, but I cab still see without the head torch for now...

Once reaching the next checkpoint at the footbridge, Chris is here to greet the runners and mark our lap on our race bib.

I have some diluted coke and take a few jelly babies for the next lap. I spot some familiar faces from previous Sussex Trail Events and they ask how I am doing. 

Everyone knows my name these days which makes us crazy runners feel like family!

I notice I have developed a dull ache in my neck, like I’ve pulled it somehow!?...As I am feeling so warm and worn out already my neck is another nag that I really don't need...

Another River series medal for the collection

I suffer with thoughts in my head that I should just call it time after the next lap, and call it good training?!... 

Then this is not an Ultra race... that voice in my head tells me to 'get over it and get that medal'

I can feel my pace dropping from the heat exhaustion and discomfort in my neck and now my quads are sore. It feels like my body is seriously rebelling againist running tonight! 

I soon enough turn on my head torch and distract myself with the sights of everyone else, a moving, shining light dotted down the river. I start a counting game in my head, with all the lights. This proves to be a good distraction of my current soreness and the time dragging...

Soon enough I reach Jay again and take a salt capsule and refill my backpack with water. I have some diluted coke and take some jelly babies with me. 

Jay asks how I am doing and kindly massages my neck to ease off the pain and loosen the muscle tension... 

It is a huge help and lifts my spirits to just run on and get the job done! 

I have about ten miles left to go...


I don't know how but, although my pace has slowed down and I am not going to reach a time close to what the previous events lastr month. I stick it through and just pop in and out at the checkpoint to grab some more diluted coke, jelly babies and chat to Chris. He finds it very amusing I got a massage from Jay to sort out my neck...

I can do this... one more lap to go then done!

I take a salt capsule as I am at alomst three hours in and have been sweating so much from the dry heat. It feels more breezy but the actually temperature makes my head feel on fire and I start to feel sick....

I manage some olive oil as I have not yet been hungry for anything. The thought of any food is making me feel more yuk...



Soon enough I reach the nect checkpoint, check in with Jay and have some water, more jelly babies to take with me and get a move on as I want to get this finish now. I hate feeling hot and sick. 

I didn't think you could get heatstroke of an evening but I really feel like I have it right now...

Once at the last checkpoint on the footbridge, I get directions from Chris, as the river bank trail is closed off from here and wee need to run Bonnets Lane towards the airport. This then comes out by the carpark at Adur Rec ground that we started. 

I see the flags and flood lights near my car and know that finally, I have reached the finish. Danny greets me with a medal and a protein vegan ball of some kind, which I really can't eat the moment. I just take some coke and thank him before getting changed into dry clothes and making my way home...

I just want my bed right now. 

Not the best marathon experience, but I reached the finish in 8th Place overall, which, isn't too bad, considering we have a severe, dry, heatwave I am not accustomed to running in... 

On the drive home, I pull over at Falmer to throw up! Just water and the effects from the heat making me feel ill. 

I cannot stomach much to eat once at home and just hydrate and sleep it off. 

I am happy I got to experience this event, although not so sure I would want to give it another go next year!

I like that the medal adds to the River Trail Series Collection. 

Just one more left to complete the set...

UltraLuke

MARATHON MADNESS

MARATHON MADNESS DAY ONE

WORTHING PROMENADE 

Sussex Trail Events have another new concept this week, their take on five in five marathons held at 6pm Monday through Friday.



Today is the start of a uk heatwave! Just in time for these marathons! It is still a sunny 22C/72F with a westerly breeze, but feels much warmer as it is so dry with low humidity at the moment.

Race HQ and Checkpoint

With nightshifts Wednesday and Thursday and too short notice to get the leave, I decided on running the first day and the last day. I miss out on the off road trail marathons so will have to just get used to the pounding pavements along the seafront instead...

Day one is using the Worthing Park Run route, starting at East Studios on the promenade, close to the Pier. We will then run West along the seafront Promenade, Passing the Lido until reaching 1.66 Mile by the Waterwise Playground. We then turn back again to the start and the checkpoint.

Meeting up with Nuala for the first of two Marathons this week!

After the first leg Jay and the team give out wristbands for each complete leg. Once we have seven wristbands there is only one more out and back left to go...

Sterting pic before the go!

A total of 28 runners have arrived, a fair few are attempting the five in five or three in three.


With just a minute to go until the 18:00 prompt start, Paul Sargent rocks up with his game face on and taking the lead up along the sun drenched seafront...

Scenery on the route tonight

The route heads west along Worthing Prom and it is fairly busy with evening walkers, cyclists, dog walkers and children playing. 

Everyone is making the most of the bright sunshine and warmer conditions. 

The breeze is strong in this direction with the sun on my face. I try to stay at a steady 7:30/7:15 average mile/pace and hope to maintain this the best I can and try to run on feel as it is so warm still.

Once reaching the marshal at the turnaround point, it suddenly feels very warm without the breeze!

Seven bands....last out and back leg to go!

Returning at the HQ checkpoint we take a wrist band for each out and back run, so we all know once at seven wristbands it is only one more left to go! 

I have some gulps of water/coconut water mix and head on back the way I came...

I am dripping in sweat already and felt much warmer running back to the HQ.

Last leg into the Finish

After a couple of out/back legs you can get an idea of who to spot and how quickly. I see Paul at roughly the same point on each return section and Nuala too. I exchange either a wave, thumbs up or 'well done' greeting as I pass the other runners. 

Just after halfway and running at a good pace still, I change my hat and buff over for dry ones and take a salt capsule as I am sweating so much now! 

By the fifth leg I am really ready for this to finish now and find it a struggle in my legs. I have to play the passing game to myself and keep my thoughts amused with the slowly decending sun and the activity along the seafront....

There is even a Mojito stand near the Pier which just looks so tempting right now!




Soon enough it is finally the last leg and I clap for Paul as he passes me to head to the finish. 

I manage to quicken my pace only just and keep it up for the last 1.66 mile in time for sunset.


I reach the finish a hot and sticky mess, in 2nd Place and in a time of 3hr 18min. 

Day one completed and just Friday to look forward to for the fifth day and for what looks to be an even hotter evening...

Enjoying the Seafront Finish 

Medal One

MARATHON MADNESS DAY FIVE 

WIDEWATER LAGOON

I make it to the start with just ten minutes to spare. Traffic coming into Shoreham on Friday evenings is slow and gridlocked. 

Reaching the start with just minutes before the go...

I collect my number from Jay and catch up with John, who is here to support and catch the start.

Nuala is running again tonight, 3in3 for her. Just the two for me this year.

Nuala, John and Myself at the start 

Number attached and last minute dash to the gents, I am ready to go! 

The weather has been very dry with low humidity, clear skies and lots of hot sunshine. It is currently 26C/77F right now! 

5in5, 3in3 and individual runners like myself

Jay gets everyone (all 26 runners) to linger by the orange marker on the floor, as this will be the switch back before the checkpoint. Then with a check of his watch he shouts the go ahead to start! 

Paul Sergeant full steam ahead after a brief catch up!

I stay to the right hand side of the cycle path and run without thinking of my pace right now. Soon enough Paul Sargeant catches up this time rather than speeding off in the lead. He is on Marathon five and he has suffered this week with the heat and stomach issues. 

Beach Huts and Blue Skies

We chat for a few minutes before he accelerates into the lead. 

Tonight, just like Monday has a strong breeze but in a North East direction. So the return leg is the cooler section for us all. 

Although Lancing has less activity to Worthing along the seafront, it still has enough to see and people watch this evening. Supporters are dotted along the green and even those chilling for drinks in beach huts and at the cafe are good cheering fans!

Free Ice Lolly!? yes please...

I find I fatique rather quickly tonight, more so than Monday! I managed to sleep most the day after my two nightshifts but feel it is not quite ideal conditions, as I am not completed rested yet and feel jet lagged. 

Heading to the Poppy Bandstand on Lancing Beach

I feel my pace dropping gradually and I notice I am not the only one. Paul has slowed more so now, dropping to just behind me, but then he is running his fifth tonight and still as strong as he can...

The chap in the lead passes me at roughly the same area on each returning leg and we exchange thumbs up as we pass.

I wave to Nuala at each pass and then see running friend Max has started running, although looks like she was late for the 6pm start.

I start to overheat and feel so tired in my legs I have to slow my pace down. The flat asphalt is taking a toll and with no shade at all along this seafront it is a real struggle. 

I am so grateful for a free ice lolly at the HQ. The ice cream hut has shut and has left overs for the runners!

I enjoy the ice cold sweet taste and a walking break to savour it before it melts and drips everywhere. 



I pick up my pace to a jog then a run, but this time it is a slower average of 8:30min/mile, but my legs will not guide me any faster...

I take a salt capsule and some jelly babies fior the last leg. It is tough but I manage to pull through with what I have left and before I really start to feel sick from all the sun and heat. 

It is good to see the HQ for the last time just ahead, as I really am getting light headed like the signs of heatstroke. 

I know this was much tougher for me than than Monday as my flow and rhythm felt sloppy, with a slower finish than I had planned.


I reach the finish.... finally, and again in 2nd Place in 3hr 23min this evening...

Medal Two

Dusk over Widewater Lagoon

I would like to thank Sussex Trail Events and everyone involved, supporting and marshalling for an enjoyable few marathons that really did test my mental stability, as road has really never been my passion or area of expertise at races. 

I will certainly consider next year but perhaps the 3in3 so to experience the off road marathon on the Wednesday to give some variation! 

Next one is in July for the Lunatic along the River Adur

UltraLuke

BRIGHTON MARATHON

Just over 19,000 entrants signed up for this years 9th Brighton Marathon. The most popular to date! 

Today is my 8th time at Brighton, as last year I decided against running after the South Downs Way 50 Mile was the previous day! 

This year like two years ago it is a week apart, so I treated this week as a rest week and to hope that my legs and body have recovered well enough to reach the finish safely and injury free! 

Bumping into Shawn ‘my running brother from another mother’ 

Just a few thousand runners waiting in the Red Pen to start

I can see the 3:30 Pacer ballons just ahead. 

09:45 The Start

Myself and Sunday are lucky to have Helen as our support and driver this morning. Helen has run many Brighton Marathons, but sadly her knee has been playing up since a previous event, so has decided it not wise to run today and will be at the finish instead for us both...

We get to Preston Park in good time and make our way to the bag drop trucks. 

We wish each other good luck here as there is going to be no way, with all the crowds we will find each other afterwards. 

I am using a red number today instead of the white elite I have been invited to. 

I feel that after the South Downs 50 last week I will not know how today is going to turn out. I will not be racing this one hard like I usually do! 

Mile 11. Just passing the Marina on our way back to The Pier 

I catch up, by chance with Shawn, whilst waiting in the red pen starting area. He is looking very lean and ready to race today to his best. It is good to catch him, as with so many competitors I didn’t think we would see each other before starting. 

Brighton is good for the switch back areas on the route. So you always get points to see other running friends going past...

After a delay of nearly five minutes from the gun fire, I go past the starting line and the tracker bleeps my chip time has begun. 

Just reaching the halfway point 13.1 Miles

I spot a few familiar running friends from the ‘100 Marathon Club’ and then I even get noticed with my spidey outfit and mask on!.... damn! I of all times I only run a marathon in a mask.... I get spotted out the crowds!

It must be my beard and the give away running shuffle I have adopted since I started barefoot training all that time ago!.... 

Spidey asjustments 

I get a little caught up with all the excitement around Preston Park, the loud cheering crowds and shouting out for Spiderman! 

Once at The Dome, three miles in and the first water stop, I make sure to keep an eye on my pace as the first two 7:15min/mile were little quicker than I should be going if I want my legs to stay strong and fresh for much longer. 

I really don’t know how my legs will hold up after the South Downs last weekend. 

Mile 14. Seeing the folks on Church Road. 

After the section out to Ovingdean with many more crowds, then cheers out for 'Go Spiderman' the miles just fly by...

A few more water stops and waving as I pass friends Lucy, Mark, Steve, Tina and John supporting at Susssex Square.

I manage to catch Sunday running past in the other direction, and I wave as I pass. He is looking good and very comfortable, which is nice assurance...

Before I know it I am approaching the Pier again with a huge uproar of cheering from the big crowds that have congrigated here, then live music to egg me on, giving me a super Spidey boost...

I have lost count how many 'hi fives' I have given passing this wall of amazing support along the Kings Road...


Once heading up onto The Drive, into Hove, on Church Road, the crowds of support does not dissapoint, as usual, just like previous years!


I see Mum and Dad at their usual spot taking pics and looking out for me.

Mile 19. Photo taken by Donna cheering me along 

Once reaching 16 miles and switching back again down Church Road,  I take a Salt Stick capsule, as now I am starting to warm up, and to keep up pace, I may need the salt levels back up again...

Just after the King Alfred's I see Donna at the road side cheering me along, she has her 10k medal on and is beaming! It is so good seeing all these faces along the way as it helps me to focus on breaking up the route and then passes the time quicker, knowing I will be seeing a friendly face soon.

Mile 24. Photo taken by Nik Bailey at the water stop

Once I head on up to the power station, I can feel my pace starting to slip as my legs begin to fatigue! I focus on who I recogniose infront of me and then passing on the otherside the road.


What is intertesting.... I am starting to overtake those that shot off fast at the start. They are either slowing, walking, running with an uncomfortable jerk or stopping to rub down a cramp....


I pray that isn't me later on...


Once we head back down the same road again, onwards to the finish. This is it, the last three mile stretch all the way along the promenade for the final enjoyment and torture!


I have some jelly babies that are handed to me, some more water before trying my bloody hardest to excelerate further.... I know I have this... so far no cramping or body fatique is going to stop me!


I feel so euphoric and able to finish this one strong!


Once at Hove Lawns I spot Nik Bailey at the water station, she is taking a pic of me and is looking so excited... another much needed boost to get to the finish.




Another surprise visit, which is Mum and Dad this time, they have headed over from Hove, to the seafront to catch me again.

At one point near the West Pier I can feel a cramp about to start on my calf. I slow a little and just really hope it doesn't until I get to the finish at least...

Back on the road and greeted with roaring cheers and 'come on Spidey', then high five slapping, I am almost there...

Spidey coming in at the finish to chanting crowds! 

This is the hardest part of any marathon race! so near... yet so far!


I can only let the crowds of support help get me there. The live broadcaster is singing out 'Spiderman, Spiderman, does whatever a spider can' as I pass the Pier and onto the last leg and with the finish line insight..

I am so ready to reach the finish now. Thumbs up is such an effort...

Out of the entire race, why does this feel like the longest road ever ...

Almost there Spiderman! 

It helps to not watch the clock ahead...

Finally relief reaching the finish line 

I catch a glimpse of the clock above at 3hours 17minutes. Although this is not a fastest or best Brighton Marathon for me, it is a welomed surprise, after last week running the 50 and just getting my fitness back on track again!


I am so chuffed and relieved that I reached without cramp or injury this year!

Bling! Brighton Number Eight completed. 

This is now my eighth Brighton completed and such a shame I have a missing medal from last year, but I am so grateful I can finish this strong and feeling good...

Will I run next year?! It is very debateable as I love Brighton Marathon much as it was always my first, but it has got so commercial now and I didn't realise how much until I experienced the start at Preston Park this morning. 

I love my off road running too much to make Brighton an 'A' race and acheive a personal best, as I have broke my sub 3hour time at Edinburgh and London already... years ago....

It is good to run a marathon that is so familiar and friendly but when your goals and running passions are elsewhere it is time to lay Brighton to rest and come back again, another year perhaps, but not next year...

No PB today, but after last weeks Ultra I will take this unexpected result...

Thank you Brighton! We love you!

Ultra Luke