Eastbourne athletes have much to celebrate after testing year

In a year that saw many events and races cancelled or postponed for local running club Run Wednesdays, there was also much to celebrate.
By Steve Bone
Published 26th Feb 2021, 14:30 BST
Winner: Steve OffordWinner: Steve Offord
Winner: Steve Offord

Danny Garbett, Run Wednesdays’ founder and coach, led a virtual awards ceremony to recognise the success and achievements of its running community, including Little Run Wednesdays and Female Run Wednesdays.

In 2020, Run Wednesdays became affiliated to UK Athletics, organising its own series of virtual relay races, led by runner Leigh Baker, to raise money for the Friends of Eastbourne Hospital.

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The club has also adopted two sections of Eastbourne beach a part of a campaign to encourage runners to actively participate in looking after the beautiful surroundings in which they meet and train.

Winner: Rosalind WilkinsWinner: Rosalind Wilkins
Winner: Rosalind Wilkins

Many runners also took on other challenges to gain individual success and support for other local and national charities.

These included:

Steve Offord completing a 100-mile street challenge as part of the Centurion One Challenge in May and receiving an Eastbourne Community Big Thank You Award for his achievement in July.

Fenella Maloney and Jacqui Rolls-King completing their first Centurion ultra-event, the South Downs Way 50-mile challenge, to raise money for Cancer Research UK

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Completion of the Eastbourne Half Marathon by a team of runners to raise funds for Eastbourne Food Bank, led by Colin Burbage who achieved a course best of 2hr 05min

Anne Lozac’h and Rosalind Wilkins completing the Bath Marathon, raising funds for Cancer Research UK

Twenty-one runners from the club completing the virtual Poppy 10k event to raise funds for the British Legion Poppy Appeal

Completion for the first time of the marathon distance in the Virtual London Marathon by Emma Trenners, Angela Vlahopoulos and Jade da Silva to raise money for St Wilfrid’s Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support

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Chris Lamour completing the Halloween 100-miler event with a personal best of 18hr 12min

Richard Gardiner, who achieved the Special Award for his completion of the Centurion 50-mile Grand Slam in 2020, a series of four races, said: “Run Wednesdays is such a great club and everyone is so supportive of each other. If you are interested in joining a running club, this is the one for you!”

Run Wednesdays Awards included:

Little Run Wednesdays’ Award: Tilly McIntyre

Female Run Wednesdays Award: Ruth Day

Captain’s Award: Phil Wright

Boss Award: Dawn Bamworth

Most Improved Award: Rosalind Wilkins

Run Wednesdays’ Club Runner Award: Jade Da Silva

Run Wednesdays’ Special Achievement Award: Richard Gardiner

Run Wednesdays Inspirational Award: Steve Offord

Wilkins said: “I am very pleased to receive my Most Improved Runner award from Run Wednesdays. Having been a club member for four years, I’m proud to be part of this fantastic club of supportive runners and genuinely nice people.

“Anyone thinking of joining a running club with no pressure but where you improve with like-minded people, give our club a try. You won’t regret it!”

If you are interested in starting running as part of your daily exercise regime and would like to some friendly support and advice, check out the Run Wednesdays Facebook and Instagram pages.