Clifftop Challenge 2025 – 15 Miles

Race report by Jamie Jordan:

21st June 2025

On the longest and hottest day of the year, I decided to run 15 miles over the White Cliffs, from Capel-le-Ferne to Deal. Having only made the decision to run a week before, I questioned it halfway up the steep incline of the White Cliffs in Dover, under the sweltering midday sun.

The doubts didn’t last long, though. Despite the heat and the hills, it was a great run and an unforgettable experience.

The Race

Originally set up in 2014 by a local couple to raise money for ‘Breast Cancer Now’ as a single 55-mile run from Hastings to Deal, the event has grown significantly over the last 11 years. It now hosts six different races—55, 36, 26, 15, 10, and 5 miles—all starting at various points along the coast but all culminating at the bandstand in Deal, where runners are greeted by bands, food, and a party atmosphere.

I opted for the 15-mile run. With a new addition to our family last September, running had taken a backseat, but I’ve been gradually building my mileage again, and this was my first long-distance race in a while. I had the usual pre-race nerves, but I felt strong, the strongest I’d felt in some time. The race started at 11 AM, not ideal given the sun was already beating down hard. I was dropped off at the Battle of Britain Memorial in Capel, collected my number, and waited in anticipation. After a quick warm-up, I gathered with other runners under trees, seeking a little shelter from the sun. The atmosphere was buoyant, with runners from the longer distances passing through, adding to the excitement.

The start arrived, and off we went. There was a risk of a false sense of security, as the first 8–9 km, though undulating, were mainly downhill. But we all knew what was to come. The course followed the coast towards Dover, with the A20 to our left. We passed Samphire Hoe, a place I’d visited just a few weeks prior for relays in almost opposite conditions. As we entered Dover, we were greeted by our first water break—sweets, fruit, and water, all welcome refreshments. Plus, a cup of water over my head for good measure! After a short run along the promenade, we faced the first real test: Dame Vera Lynn Way. This steep path leading from the harbour up to the top of the cliffs set the tone for the next 6 km. Here, some people decided to walk, but in my stubbornness, I pushed on, jogging (slowly) up the hill. I was determined to keep going, but with the intense heat, I felt my energy being sapped, so I decided to walk the steeper sections.

As we reached the top, there was a brief period of flat respite before the next big hill. This pattern continued for the next few miles. It was genuinely tough, but the sense of camaraderie along the route was palpable. By this point, I was among runners from nearly all the starting points, the ultra-marathoners looking resolute, as if this was just another hill after the many they had already conquered.

Two more water stops followed, involving more water-pouring over myself, although one was slightly embarrassingly a cup of squash – at this point I was so hot I didn’t care. The taste of squash mixed with sweat running down my face was slightly better than that of sun cream.

We passed through St Margarets, and before I knew it, we were descending into Kingsdown. This was the strongest I had felt since the beginning; the path had opened up ahead, I could see Deal Pier in the distance, and I was in a good rhythm. I knew that after Kingsdown, it was all flat, and I could push for a strong finish.

With 2.5 miles to go, it was a flat promenade all the way to the bandstand. Twenty minutes prior, I had been dreaming of this moment. This was meant to be the strong finish, but my legs hadn’t got the memo. I hydrated one last time in Kingsdown before pushing on to the end. That last part was a real slog, but I got through it and had enough for a little push in the final kilometer. A high five with my youngest daughter as I ran through the last 100m gave me that extra boost, and as I crossed the line, I was greeted by my wife, kids, and parents, and the most welcome can of ice-cold coke.

A great charity event that I would absolutely do again… and maybe even consider the longer distances!

Time: 2:04:19

Thanks for the great race report Jamie and well done. That really sounded like a tough but beautiful route. Definitely one for the diary next year. Maybe a future Club Champ race ?!?