1066 Relay sets the pace

A field of 55 teams from all over the South East and an overseas entry from the Minnesota Loons in the USA tackled the event on Sunday.

The five-stage 33.05-mile course followed William the Conqueror’s historic Country Walk route, starting in the grounds of Pevensey Castle.

The route passed through such iconic landmarks as Herstmonceux Castle and Battle Abbey, before going through the Brede Valley, Icklesham and Winchelsea on the way to the finish in Rye.

Race organiser Nick Brown, of Hastings Runners, was delighted to see so many teams taking part from outside the 1066 area despite of the typical bank holiday weather conditions!

Beckenham men’s senior team retained the Trailguides 1066 Winners Shield in a time of 3.42.58, but were pushed all the way by runners-up Canterbury Harriers (3.45.38) and third-placed Petts Wood Runners (3.49.31). Dulwich Runners women’s seniors retained the ladies’ trophy after finishing ninth in 4.07.19.

There was a battle royal for the honour of lifting the 1066 Trophy for the first local team. Hastings AC men’s vets claimed the prize after finishing fifth.

For a full report see See Friday’s Observer