Seaford runners clear shingle covered promenade by hand after storms

Seaford Park Runners cleared the shingle by hand with brooms and shovels

Seaford Beach Park Runners had to cut short several of their weekly runs due to the rocky promenade.

The promenade became covered with shingle on three separate occasions and the Park Runners came out to clear it by hand with brooms and spades.

Park Runners cleared the shingle following Storm Atiyah in December, and in the aftermath of storms Brendan, Ciara, and Dennis in January and February.

Successive storms covered the promenade with shingle, making it unsafe for the Park Runners

Seaford Beach Parkrun member Hilary Humphreys, said: “Unfortunately, thanks to the stormy autumn and winter, the shingle has stopped the Park Run on no less than three separate periods.

“What the residents of Seaford may not know is that on every single occasion, the promenade has been cleared thanks to the volunteers of the Parkrun; who have repeatedly turned out in great numbers to shovel and sweep the shingle back onto the beach.

“They have saved the town and residents of Seaford money by turning out in such large numbers to clear away the shingle, so that the promenade is once again a safe environment in which to walk, run or cycle.”

Every Saturday morning at 9am the group runs, jogs, and walks 2.5km from Seaford and Newhaven Sailing Club before turning around and running to the Galley Café.

The runners cleared the shingle covered promenade several times after stormy weather

“Seaford Beach parkrun was initially only possible thanks to the kindness and support of local groups and businesses,” Hilary said.

The Focus Group, Seaford Rotary, Seaford Striders Running Club, Moyleman Half Marathon, Fonetastic, Brighton Accommodation Agency, Newberry Tully Estate

Agents, Flowers & Son, Gingerfit Personal Trainers, Kaizen PR Ltd and Seaford Town Council all support the run.

“Once up and running however, it has been thanks to the volunteers who have offered countless hours free to keep it operational,” Hilary said.

Parkruns are free, non-competitive, short-distance events that take place across the country.

Participants walk, run or jog and the events are open to wheelchair users, dog walkers, those pushing a buggy, and children.

More information about registering for a Parkrun near you can be found at this website.

Participation and volunteering information for the Seaford Beach Park Run can be found here.