Walkers included Phil and Jane Greenfield (and while not strictly a BV, Charlie, Chris Young's husband who beat his effort in doing so last year).
It took some years for the persuasive powers of Colin Poole to get me to take part in this event after hearing the many conflicting stories of cold, wind, rain & MUD with scenic South Downs views & food!
My first venture in 2004 resulted in a 5hr 15min finish time, cuts, bruises, a twisted ankle & a jarred back. But there I was on the start line with fitness levels only enough to complete a half Marathon.
My tactics were to walk up the hills, run the flat bits & down the hills.
The maroon went off bang on 9 o’clock, literally, & I saw the leaders disappear running up the first hill.
The first point of interest was “the loan Piper” in full regalia after a mile or so. This coincided soon after with the only bit of sun I saw all day, shining on Sovereign Harbour at the far end of Eastbourne. Some of the paths earlier on need total concentration as I learned to my cost last year. This time with no incident.
I reached the first checkpoint at 8.8 miles in 91 mins. Quite a long stint without a drink. Colin & Chris both passed me while I was re-hydrating & munching my way through 3 or 4 milky ways/mars bars. Alfriston was a further mile away followed by a muddy slippery climb back up to the top of the ridge & the 2 miles to the 2nd checkpoint at Bo Peep (2hrs 9 min). I had felt quite comfortable up until this stage but after leaving the stop you turn towards the coast are hit by a side wind which made me put my jacket back on.
The sign “You are about half way” (2hrs 25 mins) on a gate post on top of a ridge in the middle of nowhere did not encourage me but a comment that it was mostly down hill to the next checkpoint at Litlington did which I reached at 2hrs 53mins. The paths had also improved by this stage. Having downed half a cup of hot coffee, 3 or 4 cups of fruit juice & a sausage roll, (I passed on the current bun) I left 4 mins later just as Colin was arriving. You now head towards Westdean woods and “The Steps” all 218 of them! There was a bit of a queue & some wag at the back said “who’s not running at the front”. At the top you climb over the wall & run down to the A259 crossing at Exceat (3hrs 20 mins). There were a large number of spectators at this point encouraging everyone to run past. 100 yards further on everyone broke into a walk!