Surrey Spitfire 20 - Race Report by Sue Hadwen

Sue Hadwen ran the Surrey Spitfire 20 miler last weekend, in a good time of 3.07.13. All the more impressive as she ran a big negative split, 1.36 and 1.31. Well done Sue. Read on for her race report.

And click here if you want to see the race photo's, Sue's number was 380

It was a warm and bright morning for the Surrey Spitfire at Dunsfold aerodrome, home of the Top Gear test track (no sign of the Stig today). There was plenty of onsite parking, though no change facility and no bag storage. However the car park was only 100yards from the start line, so not really a problem.  Race registration took place before the start, and it was well organised and some people even entered on the day. The field was not too large, and made up of those doing both the Tempest 10 mile (1 lap) and the spitfire 20 (2 laps).

The first 3 miles were round the airfield, so it felt like it took a while to get started but at least thankfully was flat, which the rest if the course was not. Out on the roads the course was described as 'undulating', or as Tony would say "has a few bumps in it". The water stations were every 3 miles and water (in cups), power bar gels and sweets were in plentiful supply at each station. The route was through scenic countryside and pretty villages, not much traffic and quite pleasant.

Soon enough we were back at the aerodrome and I thought I might find it tough to keep going when there would be the option of dropping out half way and completing the tempest 10 instead of the planned 20. However the support of the marshals and atmosphere of passing through the midpoint was incredibly uplifting. Back round the aerodrome for another 3miles, taking on more water and gels, then out on the road again for the second lap, but at least this time I knew what the hills had in store.

Cautious pacing in the first half meant I was constantly passing people (albeit slowly) in the second, which spurred me on. The field had thinned out quite a bit, but it was not too lonely and there were marshals on every turn. The last 2 miles were the longest, and one lady I had my eye on to catch was a struggle to reach until near the end, but I managed a final kick to the finish and ended on a happy note, although barely able to walk and somewhat emotional to have finished. A nice shiny medal was placed over my head and I somehow managed to drag myself the very short distance to my car. A stretch and drive home before hopefully putting my feet up ... It is mother's day after all!