I didn’t tell many people that I was taking part in the Rye 10k in case I embarrassed myself on the day! John was at The Grand Prix and so I arrived nervously on my own. After collecting my number I found that the Carey family were also there with Sam Fitness Brown and then the defector Justin also arrived! It was very reassuring to be with such a kind and friendly group.

The race was new to me but I soon learned that it was a there and back from Rye Sailing Club to Winchelsea along the Nature Reserve Coastal Path to Winchelsea. The sun was still hot and relentless. Even at the 7.30 start it was 26 degrees. I shuffled to the back and asked Sam to come and find me when he had finished. He thought I was joking…..I wasn’t. As usual I set off far too fgast and soon realised my mistake as several runners overtook me. Thankfully there was an additional water stop at 2.5k due to the hot weather. Even luke warm water in a squishy plastic cup is welcome at a time like that! Before long, faces I recognised loomed before me on their way back and I was still on the way there. The surroundings are glorious at the Rye Nature Reserve and I concentrated on the bird calls and the cormorants flying over. The sun slowly sank behind the clouds, offering and beautiful glow as I dragged myself towards what I thought was the finish. I slowed and held out my hand towards a lady holding a medal as everyone screamed ‘no run over the line.’

I was slow but 6 minutes faster than my only other 10K. All I wanted was a drink of water and a sit down. The Carey family had kindly been waiting for ages. We chatted, ate the obligatory Happy Shopper biscuits and had photos taken when I heard the announcer say ‘Alison Brooker’ fastest women in my age group. No-one was more shocked than me! I know I am slow and was most likely the ONLY lady in my age group but I guess that means that other ladies of a certain age were probably at home watching television or knitting or if they were sensible sitting in the garden drinking wine!

​It was great to see Sam being so enthusiastic about the race, he is such a joy and a true ambassador of our club. It was also good to reconnect with Justin, hopefully we will see more of him again in the future. As ever the Carey clan were out in force and their usual supportive selves. I still haven’t drunk the wine….maybe on the beach after running on a Wednesday evening.