On a sunny but chilly 23rd March 2024, 3 members of Grantham Running Club headed off to the coast to take part in the Great British Seaside Marathon and Ultra.
Starting at Skegness Pier, the ultra-marathon took runners all the way to Mablethorpe where they turned round and ran back again, covering over 35 miles.
The route ran along the coast, taking in Ingoldmells, Chapel St Leonards and Sutton on Sea. Too add to the challenge, runners also had to tackle sand at mile 20 and 28, the most energy sapping surface known to man.
First back for GRC was Richard Brewer who was returned for another go after completing the event last year. His finish time was 5:07:10.
Next in line was Jonathan Fisher who completed in a brilliant 6:32:07 in his first attempt at this distance.
Dale Towning was next, in his longest ever run and he finished in 7:01:27. This event formed part of his preparation for his next ultra challenge later in the year when he will take on the 100km Race to the Stones and this outing should fill him with confidence.
All three runners were incredibly pleased with their times and loved the event.
The winner of the men’s ultra was Mark Robbins in 4:22:43.
The ladies winner was Angela Bullingham in 6:14:32.
Report by Dale Towning
Photos c/o Angela Reeve & Robert Pask
