A fabulous weekend was had at the Brighton Marathon weekend by a group of LRC members. Although we were scattered across city at different hotels, most of us enjoyed a pre-race meal together on the Saturday night. The Sunday started off cold with three club members taking part in the 10k. The course started and finished at Hove Lawns on the sea front and had a few cheeky inland uphill sections to make it more interesting. Ann Schwarzenbach was first home in a time of 1:01:34 followed by Jane Bradbury in 1:07:39 and Charlotte Wesley in 1:08:23. The ladies enjoyed posing on the podium after the race and the general friendly atmosphere.
The marathoners set off from Preston Park, inland from the sea front, from 10am as the day gradually warmed up. There was plenty of support along the route and the 10k finishers cheered them along during the later stages, together with family supporters. The course was challenging with hilly sections out to Roedean before coming back to the centre, passing the Pavilion and finishing along the coast at Hove Lawns.
The ladies did brilliantly with Louise Hinsley first home in 04:03:50 with Anna Sanders close behind in 04:08:10, both completing their first marathon. Next home was Helen King in 04:47:47. First time marathoners and fund raisers for local charity Shining Stars, Mandy Georgiou and Melissa Farmer, were next home in 05:02:11 and 05:02:12. Completing our set of fabulous runners was first timer Marian Lowther, supported by experienced marathoner Claire Wheat, both finishing in 05:25:47.
An amazing weekend was had by all: well organised races, friends to cheer you on and even sunshine! What could be better?