Race Recap: Run to the Sea, Brighton
Coached runner Luke recently completed Run to the Sea 50K. Here he shares the key takeaways from his first ultramarathon, his race day highlights and some things to know if you’re planning on taking on the event.
Stats:
Distance: 50KM / 31 Miles
Elevation Gain: 730m / 2395ft
Start: Horsham, UK
Cutoff: 9.5 hours
Why did you choose Run to the Sea 50K?
Ultras are new to me. This was my first one and it ticked a few boxes. One being it’s so local, two it seemed like a good entry level ultramarathon race to test out (not too technical/hilly) and three, I’ve got my eye on a couple of other ultras that are also on the South Downs, so I wanted to get as familiar as I could with running there.
What was your racing background going into the race?
My race background started with road running and triathlons. In the past I’ve done a couple of road marathons, plenty of half marathons, a few 10kms and a few 5kms. I then, like a lot of people, let life get in the way and had a fair few years away from running.
I’ve been back running now for around 3 years. I then, on the off chance, randomly entered a local 12.5km trail race in Plumpton with my neighbour who got me back into running. Trail running was something I never really thought about before, but I enjoyed that race more than any of my previous road races. I was then hooked and started researching trail running. I’d never even heard of ultras before. I always thought in running it was marathons and an Ironman for triathlons. For me now, it’s honestly all about trail races.
How did the race unfold?
The race started in Christ’s Hospital School, Horsham at 8am with a rolling start of waves; 40 runners at a time with the last wave being 8:25. Once you start you’ve got a pretty long section that is mainly gravel and easy on foot and pretty flat. It’s also a section well sheltered by trees which was nice as it was a sunny day. There are a few little bits where you cross roads and pass through villages but otherwise mainly gravel tracks for the first half.
Then just after the second aid station you turn right and go up what feels like a never ending chalk path hill onto the Downs! Getting up that hill is so worth it though - once you’re on the Downs it’s very up and down with lots of small hills. Then it’s down into Hove for the final stretch running through Hove Park along the roads which was my least favourite part as it’s busy traffic so you have to stop to cross at some of the crossings but you’re so close you just kick on before heading to Hove Lawns at the sea for the finish.
What were your race day highlights?
Definitely getting up that first big hill at about 25km in, then seeing all the runners ahead of me across the Downs.
I started in one of the last waves in the hope it would give my wife and son time to make the finish. I really enjoyed having loads of runners in front of me. It gave me a chance to talk to a few runners and kept me motivated. The weather was hot but the clear skies made it perfect for all the views; such good vibes; I loved every minute of being on the Downs. That was definitely my favourite section.
Another highlight was seeing my wife and son at the finish. I really wasn’t sure if they would make it. My son has recently started to show an interest in running as he’s noticed the time I’ve spent training so it was so nice I could share that moment finishing my first ultra with them being there.
Anything that didn’t go to plan?
In training I had a slight niggle which impacted my last month of training but we adapted training well and I felt good on race day apart from some cramp on and off from about 33k in.
Another thing was hydration on the day. I was training with a carb and electrolyte mix drink which I got on with really well. I started the race with both my 500ml soft flasks filled with this mix. I was getting on with it really well but when I got to the 3rd out of the 4 aid stations I wanted something other than the carb and electrolyte mix drink so I decided to have 1 soft flasks filled with the mix and have coke in the other flask. Because I was so hot, I wanted something cold, refreshing and some caffeine - I’m a 2 coffee a day guy and I only had 1 coffee before the race! I left the aid station looking forward to sipping on some cold coke in the heat but the coke was really warm. I regretted that choice straight away but I wasn’t going back so I had to wait until the final aid station before having a refreshing drink.
Anything people should know if they’re planning on taking on Run to the Sea Brighton?
If you love trail running, it’s honestly a good race for your first ultra. But don’t be fooled by the start and set off too fast - the first 25km is pretty easy; it’s mainly flat and gravel. After that is where the race really tests you. You’re hit by a big hill followed by the rolling hills of the Downs so leave plenty in the tank for the second half!
Key takeaways
Have you got any key tips for someone thinking of doing their first ultra marathon?
I would say look at the elevation of the race and what kind of terrain you will be running on and try to replicate race conditions on your long runs so your legs are used to it.
Also try and figure out a fuelling plan for the race; what gels, chews or food you plan on using on the day and train with them on the long runs.
Get used to training with full mandatory race kit plus anything you plan to have with you on race day. These are all things I’ve not really had to worry about in races in the past but they definitely helped me for my first ultra and going into the race I felt well prepared and confident.
Find out more about the race: www.runtothesea.com/brighton
