Ten years ago, newly arrived in the town, I ran my first Seaford Half. Since then I have run this demanding but beautiful race another six times. In 2006 I cracked, for the first and only time, the two-hour barrier with a time of 1:58:03.
Today I merely marshalled, where runners, half a mile in, cross the A259. Fortunately the drivers we stopped were courteous and patient, at least at my end. Then I went to the finish to watch the lead runners return. There was high drama as the fourth runner home approached. As he was about 50 metres away I remarked to a fellow Strider that his gait was unusual. It became clear why, for his legs gave way and he fell to the ground. Calls for first aid fell on deaf ears until one of the Seaford Lifeguards came to help. The runner was escorted over the line, to applause, but relinquished his fourth place to Vanaka Graham of the Seaford Striders. It was a hot and demanding day.
For myself, I went out in the late afternoon. The Heathfield 10k is now two weeks away.
