Friday 3rd April 2026
What a way to start the Easter Holidays – an early start and 10 mile race from Hythe to Folkestione and back.
Weather was overcast and windy – more of that later on.
This race has been happening since 1984. Unlike other recent races it was not in waves so all runners go off together – joining the place where they feel comfortable in running from.
The race started on the green at Hythe with initially two laps of this. Then it headed out onto the roads leading to the promenade at Hyde and then along this for the first half of the race. The wind had picked up by this point but was thankfully behind us. We all knew though that would not be the case for the second half.
At about 4 miles we saw runners coming back along the promenade and the looks on their faces said it all – strong winds and rain straight into them. And sure enough when we turned round the wind was howling in our faces. The second half was a lot slower than the first half was. At times runners looked like they were not moving anywhere as the wind was almost keeping them still – my cap fell off my head at one stage.
By mile 8 it wasnt fun anymore and the finish line could not come soon enough. About 9.5 miles in we finally headed off the promenade and back to the Green – and out of the wind. Then the finish with lots of chocolate and refreshments waiting when we had crossed the finish line.
Despite the conditions it was a very good event, well marshalled and supported. It would be amiss not to thank the many volunteers that stood out in the inclemant weather so this event could take place – without them there would be no races.
Andy Whitnell
