I know that a number of HU runners have done this one and raved about it. Shake-and-run and I set off from her house at 7.45 this morning to make sure we had plenty of time and arrived shortly before the 1k dash started for the littlies. Don’t know if there was an age limit but most seemed to be under 6 (with a responsible adult puffing away behind them 😂😂). Cuteness personified! Then the 2k family fun run and finally the 10k. The start was delayed due to queuing traffic as the roads were closed for the family runs at 9.00, so we finally set off at around 10.35 in 19c, full sun and no shade (we were on an airfield after all!) It was an out and back route including running up and down the runway and I had decided to try to incorporate my HM sprint intervals training run into it. Managed 6/12 and decided I’d probably expire if I did the rest. It was a great run with a fabulous atmosphere, although a decidedly average 1.07 time.
One of the lovely things about the run was that each of us was given the name of a Spitfire pilot who died for his country in WW2 and asked to run in his memory. We were able to go around the museum after the race and I was approached by a lady, who asked if she could take a photo of my back, because she reckoned my young pilot was her grandad. What a privilege! We took photos of ourselves with the oldest remaining Spitfire in the world 😊
If you are in the Midlands, I can highly recommend it. Yes, it’s just a 10k on tarmac but so much more!
Written by
Sandie1961
Half Marathon
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I can imagine how hot you got, running on an airstrip Sandie1961 , but lucky it wasn’t a few weeks ago! It sounds a great day out all round, especially as you got to share it with Shake-and-run
I love that you got to run in the memory of a fallen pilot, and such a proud moment to meet his descendant. That must have been moving. ❤️ 💕
If only I can run your average time of 67 mins in my 10k, it will be a PB (and a miracle) 😂😂
It isn’t every day somebody asks to take a photo of my back Dexy5 😂😂It did make me very proud and his granddaughter was so pleased that her grandad was being commemorated. She was just visiting the museum too; didn’t know about the race
Oh wow... I did it a few years back...pre pandemic... I so wish I could have done it this year too...( about 45 minutes from me, HUGE well done to you!!!A lot of folk I know were there too!
You had a wonderful time and a winner's podium too!!! That is new!
It is a fabulous one isn't it... and so evocative!!! A real sense of history...
It was absolutely brilliant. The children’s races were very special - huge grins as they ran through the finish to cheering crowds. There was also an 85 year old runner who got a massive cheer as he finished. Stories of runners whose relatives had been Spitfire pilots. Fabulous!
I kept all the details of my pilot..and researched him... also met an inspirational lady who was a cancer survivor...we've stayed friends on Strava...xThe children running...pure joy xxx
It is definitely a special one. Having the children involved as well helps to keep the memories alive, great idea!! And the bling is wonderful! Congratulations both of you 👏👏👏 (and that’s not average in that heat Sandie!!)
Didn’t know whether to write a separate post or comment on this one, but Sandie has described our day so well, I think here is best. I didn’t see Sandie between start and finish except when we passed on either side of the runway. I resisted the temptation to extend my arms sideways and do plane impressions up the middle as it is a very long runway (and I thought I might look a twit if Sandie didn’t join in from the other side) until we reached the photographer at the end (then everyone was doing it , can’t wait to see the pictures). Hats off to the runners in fancy dress (overalls, flying helmets and goggles), it was warm out there. The bling is amazing and I felt very privileged to wear the name of a 20 year old airman who not only lost his life in the Battle of Britain but first suffered for several months with extensive burns. Seeing all the names on the backs of runners in front of me was a very emotional moment.
What an amazing event and a superb act of remembrance involving the whole family. The relatives of the pilots will have been really touched by it; so classy and personal.
You were a shade over a minute faster than my recent “best for many months” effort……1.07 in that event is fine! A steady reverential fly past!!✈️
It was very special. I just keep thinking of my HM. It wasn’t too shabby a time for the weather conditions, but I need to do 2 x 10k back to back at a faster speed than yesterday to hit my target of beating my Hampton Court time 😬😬
Congratulations and well done Sandie1961 . I did that run last year & some of our club members did it yesterday too. They always do a brilliant medal. Last year it was hot too.
Well done Sandie - what a wonderful race and your account of the lady seeing her Grandad’s name on your back brought tears to my eyes! 🥺 Fab bling too! 👍🏅🙂
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Heathfield 10k Race Report