Furley Page Whitstable 10k

May 5, 2025

Race report by Donna Dharmasena Prev Goldsmith

What can I say? I’ve run this race a couple of times before and hadn’t planned on doing it this year.

One Saturday afternoon, while out with the lovely Jacquie Brazil, she mentioned she had a place in the race but was unsure she could manage it, as she was doing the London Marathon the week before. She asked if I’d like to take her spot. After a few wines, it seemed like a brilliant idea—and I said yes!

As race day approached, Jacquie checked in to confirm I still wanted to take her place. I did, but I reminded her to notify the event organisers of the transfer. She promised to email them and said it was all sorted.

However, just a few days before the race, I contacted the organisers myself—only to be told they had no record of any email. Cue panic! But Jacquie simply said, “Just run it.” So, even on the morning of the race, I wasn’t entirely sure I’d actually be taking part.

We turned up to a cold, grey, and blustery day—made even more disappointing after a full week of perfect sunshine. Jacquie collected her race pack and passed it on to me.

While we were waiting at the start line, I caught up with Jacquie, Jan Hayward, and Kirsty McMahon. We also bumped into a few other TRACies: Ela Elzbieta, Cathy Beddoes, Nathan Wilson, and Andy Whitnell. The wind picked up—and then the heavens opened.

We made our way to the start. Thankfully, the rain eased, though the wind remained relentless on the way out, making the first half tough going. At the halfway point, the wind was finally at our backs, the sun came out, and the rest of the race felt much easier.

Despite the rough start, spirits were high. Spectators and marshals along the route were fantastic and really kept us motivated. Many people say this is their favourite 10km event—flat, scenic, and relatively relaxed. There are a couple of inclines (and anyone who knows me knows I hate an incline! ).

Still, I managed to finish faster than I did last year, which I’ll happily take—especially considering I didn’t even know for sure I’d be running until the last minute.

Well done to all my fellow TRACies who ran and completed the race!