Sunday morning brought 12 excited teams of 4 people (members and guests) plus 2 solo runners, to the Battle of Britain Memorial in Capel, for the start of Rogers Coastal Relay.
This is an annual memorial jaunt, in memory of a late founding member Roger Francis Derby. He loved people taking part whatever their speed, ability, age or experience. Teams are handicapped for time, so faster teams start last – it’s planned to get everyone finishing at the same time to amp the excitement!
The route is from Capel to Lilyroos at Hacklinge, up and down cliffs and along seafronts, then turning inland for the last 2 legs.
Runners passed the bench where Roger’s ashes are scattered, where the orange and black bear sat for a moment of reflection.
Everyone made it round safely, despite tumbles, being unable to locate the handbrake on someone’s car, trying to get in someone else’s car (twice), getting lost (loads), and doubtless other things that shall never be mentioned again!
First team back were We’ve Got The Runs, followed by Coastal Fitness then Chafe and Status in third. Last place, due to terrible navigation 😆 went to Born To Run. Other teams were Over the Hills, Marge’s Marvels, The Procrastinaters, Scrambled Legs, Pistachios, Pink Panthers, Which Way Now, and lastly Squeeze My Cheese (just going to leave that one there). Special mention to Tracey Fletcher and Jerry Clarke who each completed the whole distance – quite some feat.
Well run, everyone.
Thanks to the Battle of Britain Memorial for allowing us in, to Lilyroos for the eats and drinks at the after party, and to Simon Read, life member of the Club, and his wife Bridgette (starter and timekeeper), who put time and energy into this event every year 🧡
Click below for the Reel
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYc4cHKpUUJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==