Two Harriers, Jon Hodge and myself, completed the Steyning Stinger Marathon yesterday. This is a cross country run through the South Downs between Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea, which includes four hills (or ‘stings’) up towards the top of the Downs. Weather conditions were a little challenging with rain, gusty winds and a lot of mud!
The event is chip timed so there is no organised start. Provided you’re confident you can complete the marathon within 5 hours you can start any time between 8-8:30am. Otherwise you can start earlier at 7:30am. The course is well signed with plenty of encouraging marshals along the way. Given the adverse weather they were particularly enthusiastic.
The winner finished in 3:27:01, with the first woman finishing in 3:56:44. I was 6th woman (first in my age group and 63rd overall) in 4:26:04. While Jon was 120th in 4:56:44.
Overall an enjoyable event. Race entry even included a cooked breakfast at the end!
Tara Taylor