Bognor athletes get Grizzly in Devon

It is a gruelling 20-mile run with two bogs, shingle and cliff edges and 3,200ft of elevation. It is one of the toughest races around but it was a special day for all.

The Tone Zoners set off running the first mile on shingle before taking the first climb. The group were sticking together and in high spirits crossing the first river at mile five and making their way to the first bog eight miles in.

One member of the group fell and had to be taken away by the St John Ambulance. Nonetheless the group carried on through the bog, hills, mudslides and shingle before approaching the Highway to Heaven at mile 17 – a steep climb to the top of the cliff from the beach.

The group ran together for the full 20 miles and crossed the line under five hours, an impressive time for the course and terrain. They were greeted by firemen to hose down the mud that was caked on their legs, picking up a finishers’ T-shirt and a small bottle of rum as a memento.

The group bundled into the mini bus with head coach Keith Hardwell and driver Neil Pacey to head home after a long day.

Taking part were Mark Annals, Ian Bayley, Chris Gallagher, Simon Hunt, Anne Kari Enes, Kari Mack, Danny Mahoney, Kate O’Connor, Jack Penfold, Gary Smith, Duncan Stephenson-Gill, Neil Strudwick and Sarah Zacal.

In France were Derek Natoli and Grace Natoli. Derek was running the St Emilion Half Marathon and finished in 2hr 15min. Grace ran the marathon and took home a trophy for being the third female to finish, in a time of 4:33.

In Wales Leigh Paige ran the Llanelli Half Marathon, finishing in a fantastic PB time of 2:18.

Last weekend, with races being cancelled left, right and centre because of coronavirus, club runners managed to find a couple of races that were still on.

Eight club runners raced at the West Worthing 10k, a course that was very windy for the second half of the race.

Paul Jarvis was the first home for the club and finished in 42.19. Daryl Fairbrother and Grahame Hurren finished in 44.06 and 49.16.

Tina Ede and Beth Suter both recorded PBs, the pair running with Jack Penfold for the whole race, achieving a PB at the 5k mark and holding the pace to the end.

Ede took seven minutes off her previous best while Suter took two minutes off hers, both finishing in an hour. Charles Stewart and Wendy Morris came in together in 1:09.

In the Hampton Court half marathon, Tom Howell showed his training has been paying off with a time of 1.30. Nathalie Reynolds came away with a smile on her face as she finished under the two-hour mark with a time of 1:58:55.

Sophie Howell, in her first half marathon, crossed the line in 2:04:45. Good friends and training partners Nik Crisp and Susan Brigstock Parker ran the course together to finish in 2:25, a new PB from Crisp.

Tone Zone times - West Worthing 10k: Paul Jarvis 42.19; Daryl Fairbrother 44.06; Grahame Hurren 49.16; Tina Ede 1.00.16 PB; Beth Suter 1.00.17 PB; Jack Penfold 1.00.17; Charles Stewart 1.09.27; Wendy Morris 1.09.35. Hampton Court Half Marathon: Tom Howell 1.30.26; Nathalie Reynolds 1.58.55 PB; Sophie Howell 2.04.45; Nik Crisp 2.25.31 PB; Susan Brigstock Parker 2.25.31.