Kent Road Relays – Minnis Bay #4

Race report by Phil Stevens:

It was our turn to host the 4th relay in the series at the beautiful setting of Minnis Bay. The relays, as expected, are now growing in popularity with more then ever TRACies turning up to compete.

Firstly I would like to thank all the organisers and marshals (members, family and friends) for making this relay take place. A special thanks to Anna Harrison, Chris Brown and Julie Williams who went above and beyond for the club.

I arrived early with Jo Kemp and Andy Jones to help set up the gazebo and collect the numbers/batons. Already it was roasting and with a strong wind it felt like standing in front of a hair dryer.

There was a great atmosphere as everyone started turning up with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Multiple warm ups were taking place and the nerves started kicking in. You really do give it that extra something when you know you’re running in a team.

7pm soon came around and just prior to this Chris Brown gave his safety briefing to the crowds (well done Chris).

The runners were led forward and the A leg runners from all the teams were off!

The start was on the sea wall just below the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie and then headed off towards Margate. This first part was wind assisted but you had to be careful not to go off too hard as the return into the wind was going to be tough!

Although it had dropped a few degrees, the sun was shining, it was still roasting and in the high 20s.

Already the crowd support was superb.

Just under 1 mile you had to turn right and run up a short sharp hill which took you out onto the path along Cliff Road. The marshals were doing a fantastic job of keeping everyone going in the right direction and after running past the tennis courts it was down a short hill at Beresford Gap and back onto the sea wall.

Now we were into the wind and it was a case of digging deep. There were rest bites from the full force of the wind as the cliffs curved in and out but after the final left hand bend there was no escape. From here however you could see the finish line in the distance which gave you something to aim for.

At the start of the finishing straight a big thankyou has to go to Rowan Tyler and his family/friends for their amazing support.

The finish line approached and as you looked for your team member for the baton exchange you emptied the tank and crossed the finish line in relief.

It’s strange how quickly us runners can get our breath back and after 60 seconds or so, you start to feel yourself again and then WOW the endorphins kick in.

Well done everyone, what a fantastic team effort. TRAC managed a huge amount of PODIUM finishes..

Mens Senior A team – 1st

Mens Senior B team – 2nd

Mens Senior C team – 2nd

Mens V40 A team – 2nd

Mens V40 B team – 2nd

Mens V50 A team – 2nd

Ladies V35 A team – 3rd

Ladies V35 B team – 3rd

Ladies V55 A team – 3rd

THE FINAL RELAY is at Canterbury on Tuesday 8th July. Don’t forget it’s pay as you go, so it’s never too late. Jo or I would love to get new runners. Please get in touch with us if you are interested. I can guarantee when you do one you will want to come back for more, they are fantastic.

Please see the below link for the Minnis Bay Relay Results:

https://live.sportsystems.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20246&RId=15197&EId=1

Also don’t forget the next Club Champ Race is the North Downs Run (30k) on Sunday 29th June.