26 SPORT
DECEMBER 2023
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BRT RIDE THE STORM AT BEACHY HEAD MARATHON T
BY JACKIE KNIGHT
ORRENTIAL rain and strong winds did not stop hardy Bexhill Runners & Triathletes members recording some impressive times at the Beachy Head Marathon and 10K Challenge. One of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK, the stunning route features the ups and downs of the Seven Sisters. But the challenging conditions did not stop incredible performances from James Allen (05:04:59), Grant Docksey (04:36:35), Paul Zipperlen (05:26:40), Zak Overfield (05:32:03) and Catherine Crombie (05:55:43). Outstanding results everyone! Conquering the accompanying 10K were Dagmara Ginter (01:04:10); Dan Marshman (48:19); Gary Miles (54:59) and Martyn Angus (57:43). All were tremendous performances on a superb day out to explore the wonderful South Coast and countryside. Barry Ingram took off to Brighton and was thrilled to set a superb 10k time of 58mins 49secs. Bedgebury Pinetum Park Run had a takeover by BRT club members who supported all the volunteering roles. Amanda Tondeur and Geoff Tondeur dedicated their time to organising the takeover. Their enthusiasm and passion united the club to work together for a community activity enjoyed by many on a Saturday morning. Despite turning up on one of the wettest days in November, there was lots of social support and laughter. Huge congratulations to Oliver Carey running his 100th Park Run and finishing first place in a time of 18mins 39secs. The first Junior Park Run at Battle Recreation Ground saw Eva Harwood smash a personal best of 09:20. She took token number one proudly running in her BRT hoodie. BRT featured as one of the clubs in the first East Sussex Sunday Cross Country League event at Whitbread Hollow. Amongst the competitors clocking impressive times were Eva Harwood (0:18:19); Rafael Serrano (0:21:31) and Demelza McCrae (0:22:53).
Catherine Crombier Dan Marsham, Dagmara Ginter (Beachy Head) and Gary Miles (Beachy Head, 10K)
Paul Zipperlen and Grant Docksey (Beachy Head)
James Allen (Beachy Head)
Zak Overfield (Beachy Head)
Barry Ingram (Brighton 10k)
First East Sussex Cross Country event
The seniors produced commanding performances too, with significant times for Nigel Jewell (0:37:34), Paul Currie (0:38:54), James Allen (0:41:30) and Dan Marsham (0:41:32), Jeremy Sankey (0:43:13), Grant Docksey (0:45:03) and Paul Zipperlen (0:47:58).
If you have ever thought about running with a friendly group of like-minded people, please go to the BRT webpage for more information for both adult and junior membership. www.bexhillrunnerstriathletes.co.uk
LITTLE COMMON WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERERS LAND
THE second season of the Walking Football Southern Combination Football League East Division is well underway with Little Common Wonderers (LCWWF) currently sitting at the top of the table after three games. But the Old Bexhillians squad (OBWF) are just behind with a game in hand. The season continues until next spring with squads from Eastbourne, Ringmer, Hastings and Battle. The OBWF side will be defending the trophy they won this year as the first champions of the SCFL East Division, so the other sides will be gunning for them. The club is managed by Brian Cook and Nick Gardner while Roger Kidney and Mike Southen look after Little Common Wonderers. The Old Bexhillians Club played in the first ever local league that started in 2017 in Eastbourne. They won it two seasons running. And, after capturing the league Combination title last season, the club want to keep the winning spell going. There is also for the first time an over-60s league administered by The Southern Combination Football League which comprises teams from Burwash, Hastings WFC and Eastbourne. The club is represented by the Atha Strollers and much has been written about the Atha — a name that derives from the Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club, a much-loved sporting tradition to many Bexhill folk. The results have not gone their way so far in the league, but all are hopeful for a much-improved situation for the second part of the league programme. The club’s senior players — Over 68 and Over 70-year-olds — play friendly games against other clubs and recently had a goalless encounter with Eastbourne Borough WFC that lacked goals but made up for it in energy and effort. Called the Bexhill Seniors, they are jointly managed by Rob Say and Andrew Burton. The club are also seeking new recruits and, in the first instance, contact the Chairman
Little Common Wonderers
for further details. Aimed at the Over 50s for men and Over 40s for women, the club have three sessions per week as well as the friendly and league fixtures. The club wants to develop the Ladies’ playing section so again if any female players of over 40 wish to join a walking football club there is a thriving one in the town. The club are also looking for another sponsor to join our team of Age UK Southeast, Harolds Hog Roast and SBS Consumables. So, if any company or organisation would like to help the cause please contact the club chairman Mick Davies on 07961 008743 or email mickdavies48@gmail.com
