Brooks Brighton 10K - (un) Official Photographs

[Seafront Plodder]

An early start was called for if I were to get a run in before commencing my duties as the Brighton 10K Team RC Official Photographer © (commissions by request) duties.

I managed 2.5 miles along the windy seafront at 7am. At this stage in my comeback I’m still pleased with this distance. The previous Friday when Sweder had dragged me to the pub, we did discuss whether I would make the ½ marathon start line in Almería, and were I to do so, he would be happy to pace me for a sub-2 hour race. With bucketloads of hindsight, that discussion did take place after 6 or so pints, and the reality is that my current form is heading towards the 10K run. Still, the race is not the sole reason we go is it?

Having detoured via chez Sweder to pick him up we continued on to Brighton to arrive at 9.30, some 30 minutes before the off. I spied the tall figure of Nigel in the car park and took the opportunity of the ½ mile or so walk to the start to badger him relentlessly on whether he would make Almería…….he’s still wavering.

Sweder & Nigel went on to join the throng whilst Claire & I took up our positions some 300 yards down the course, from where we would be able to catch the runners twice as they made their way eastwards for 1K before turning back through the start line and onwards into Hove. 5 minutes to go and the guy on the tannoy began to lose his rag with some slower runners who had obviously parked their ample arses right at the front of the pack!

Dead on time the hooter sounded, and in no time at all the whippets were upon us, so I set up the camera and waited for the RC’ers to come through. Sadly I managed to miss Nigel totally, but below is the evidence I did manage to capture.

With everyone home it was off to lunch, where we were joined by Mrs S and S jnr. Good also to briefly meet Ladyrunner and Gary who popped in to say hi. Superb food and company whiled away a couple of hours, before Mrs S dropped us off back at my car where a £60 parking ticket awaited. Bastards. :mad: