Jon ran along the Sussex Downs he completed a sponsored run in 3 hours 45 minutes. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is situated in the East Sussex.
A comment from Jon follows:
"Firstly thank you very much for your sponsorship. We've raised £400 for The Stroke Association, and I'm expecting a little more yet. Hooray! I did complete the Beachy Head Marathon in 3 Hours and 49 minutes, and I came 39th. So all the hard training paid off. Below is a short race report, on how the run went for me.
I have to admit I was very scared in the weeks leading up to the race, partly due to a new pair of off-road trainers which almost crippled me (I chose not to run 26 miles in them) but mostly because it is a very hard course.
The day of the race was damp and foggy, but relatively warm, which was fine by me. The gun went at 9 o'clock and the race started up a very steep hill on to the Downs, the atmosphere was great, with everyone in good spirits. About 2 miles in and I heard the sound of bag pipes coming through the fog, and soon saw Joe the Lone Piper
stood to attention shrouded in the mist. Then heading across the
hills the rain came down, and people started to slip and slide around
a bit, at one point my trainers were completely caked in mud.
There were plenty of people to cheer us along, and it was brilliant
to see my Dad and Nan at Jevington. The first third of the course was fairly hilly, and it wasn't until about 8 miles that there were refreshments. I decided to walk through the drink station to have a little rest before tackling the next hill. Occasionally the fog would clear allowing a glimpse of the beautiful surroundings. I took the down hills in my stride savoring gravities help and literally
bounding along. At Alfriston I was cheered on by Penelope and my Mum.
Heading up Bostal Hill I felt strong, the hills hadn't proved too bad
as yet. Then came the steps, I said to the runner next me, 'This has
to be a joke'. But it wasn't, I started to jog up the uneven steep
steps. The fellow runner advised me these were the easy ones and we
had yet more to come. So I took his lead and walked up them at pace.
And yes the next steps were worse, but again the sound of bag pipes
brought a smile to my face. Joe the Lone Piper played at the top of
the steps.
The forest was full of magnificent autumn colour, and running through
them made me feel alive. Coming out of the woods on to the side of
the valley over looking the river Cookmere was a site indeed, but it
was around this point (at mile 20) that things started to get hard.
The path lead up on to the Seven Sisters, and as I jogged on, my
energy levels plummeted, and I knew that this was going to be very
hard indeed. So I started walking a bit, then jogging a bit, and walking a bit. until I got to the top. Then I jogged over the brow
and down, only to be faced with an even stepper up. And as I slowly made my way up each hill, only to be faced with another, and then another, I really thought I'd just give in at Birling gap and get a lift home.
Despite doing a lot of walking/jogging/walking up hills and feeling utterly exhausted, I did gain some hope in the fact that the runner
next to me and the runners ahead and behind were doing pretty much
the same thing. Then the refreshments on the penultimate peak saved me, a cup of water a chunk of chocolate. I jogged down the hill, and
some how found the resolve to jog up the other side, at the top a group of walkers clapped and cheered. Ah, the kindness of strangers, but I was thinking; 'Please stop clapping because I'm about to start walking again.' However I didn't and I was back in rhythm.
Coming in to Birling gap I heard the shouts of my family and friends cheering me on. And as I triumphantly approached them a stone hopped into my trainer. So I had to stop, which must have seemed quite funny, I hurriedly untied my shoe and removed the stone. Then I was on my way, Damian ran with me to the next car park. I think I was probably on the verge of tears and uncontrollable blubbing, and I just kept saying. 'This is not funny, this is not funny'. My sister Zoe, and her family cheered me on at the car park. Their son bounced on Wills shoulders and Zoe screamed words of encouragement at me. Brilliant. Then I really did start blubbing.
The last four miles were simply bizarre. I had a long conversation with a young runner about wether or not we'd just ran over the Seven Sister or not. It was confusing so I picked my pace up. Then Beachy head was completely shrouded in fog and it was so eerie. I couldn't see any other runners or even markers to send me in the right direction. I thought 'great this is the bit where I end up in the sea'. I found my way out of the fog and back down the very steep hill to the finish line. Everyone cheered me across the finish line and I was almost sad that it was over. I was exhausted and over come with emotion but it was worth every step."
The Seven Sisters Country Park covers 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland. It is a popular place for a number of outdoor activities including the Beachy Head Marathon.
Welcome to this fundraising page for The Stroke Association.
A link for sponsoring this worthy cause is http://www.justgiving.com/Jon-Hubbard/
Raising money for
The Stroke Association
Charity Registration No. 211015 (England), SCO37789 (Scotland)
The Stroke Association is a registered national charity solely concerned with stroke. We aim to reduce strokes through research
What is a stroke? - strokes and TIAs explained including the main types, the effects they may have, and common causes.
Preventing a stroke - what can be done to reduce your risk of stroke, including when a stroke or TIA has already occurred.
When a stroke happens – how strokes are treated, including hospital tests and treatment and longer-term rehabilitation.
After a stroke - what practical, emotional and financial support is available for stroke survivors and their carers.
Stroke rehabilitation - how to work towards regaining skills and adapting to life after stroke with professional help.
The Stroke Association - what The Stroke Association does and how we may be able to help if stroke affects your life.
The Beachy Head Marathon is one the biggest off-road marathons in the UK. Formerly known as the Seven Sisters Marathon, it is popular for its scenic and challenging route through the South Downs countryside.
The Country Park is named after the famous Seven Sisters that form part of the chalk cliffs on the Sussex Heritage Coast, one of Britain's finest unspoilt coastlines. It is situated at Exceat in East Sussex, just off the A259 between Eastbourne and Seaford.
Jon prefers a challenge the Half Marathon was farmyard fresh, in the rolling English countryside near to the Cotswold Way. He was keeping his mind (and body) amused after training on suburban roads, with room to run and take in the ambience of Horton in the South Gloucestershire the place Hogweed Hilly Half Marathon.
The Hogweed Trotters, the attempt at staging a Half marathon appeared to be flawless. The race pack included, a map with some pictures of what we might expect to see during the race and a course profile which left the runner in no doubt about the hills that lay ahead. And they were daunting pre warned of the 8th and 9th area of the run was onorous.
The course testing and not for the faint-hearted but Jon increased his personal speed up and down (and in Hogweed country what goes up most certainly does go down in equal measure). Well worth the effort. The first testing climb comes in the second mile, after which the course undulates until miles 7 to 9 when Kilcott has to be overcome. Kilcott is a hill that never seems to end - it just goes on and on and on - with a nice dogleg in the middle to tease you into thinking that you’re approaching the summit with Kestrels circling. But from there its all downhill, amost, before a last long downhill all the way to the finish.
A friendly run hosting 300 runners, which was blessed with a hot day. The marshals were friendly and supportive throughout, the route well marked, and with plenty to drink en route.
A goody bag was a treat at the end of the race which included a Hogweed Hilly Half T-shirt.
Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast". W. Shakespeare. Jon did superbly at Hogweed Hilly Half V-What a lovely Mothers Day
Nearly 2000 runners completed a distance of 26.2M the 14/12/2008 the start timewas at 09:00 starting from Hastings Town Centre
Website: http://www.hastings-half.co.uk
The event organiser was Eric Hardwick M.B.E. - Race Director - Hastings Lions Club
Hastings hosted the Hastings 100th Anniversary Marathon Race (1908-2008)
on Sunday 14th December 2008. 9.30a.m.
The runners met outside Hastings Town Hall, (The Birthplace of Television, opposite where John Logie Baird sent the first television pictures. John Logie Baird [August 13, 1888 – June 14, 1946]) was a Scottish engineer and inventor of the world's first working television system) close to the original Start in 1908, as a reflection our M.P. Michael Foster will start the Event as, his M.P. predecessor Arthur du Cros did in 1908
The route headeds out of Hastings on Queens Road. For the first three and a half miles the roads will be closed to traffic. The runners took running refreshments at the three mile point at St. Peter and St. Paul(Parkstone Road) Church. The route continued along The Ridge(from Hillside Road),turn left and keep to left hand path. Past The Conquest Hospital. Many thanks to consultants and others who took part in this gruelling exercise.
The course carried on past the Harrow and along past Queensway junction to when path finishes on left, the route was well directed by course organisers over the road to a pathway to the right at the 5 mile point. Another running refreshment was available at Bannatynes(Beauport Park) roundabout, well done to Bannatynes members for their volunteers and runners.
The runners continued alongside the Beauport Park wall, and past the Black Horse Pub Drink Station, where the path finished for approx. 100 yards. Picking up the route at Crowhurst Park Bend where they entered the Historic Town of Battle the runners ran alongside the Battle Abbey Wall(The site of the famous ‘Battle of Hastings in 1066’. The Abbey Green hosted the 8 mile point and the Drink Station was organised by Yesterday’s World .
Following through Battle High Street, past the Almonry and Museum, the runners continued to Old Battle Workhouse and Claverham School.The 10 mile point at The Squirrel Pub, supplied running refreshment at a drink Station. Continuing to Catsfield, through Powdermill Lane Bend/junction. The 12 Mile point saw running refreshment at the White Hart Pub. The route continued to Ninfield.
Sidley hosted the 16 mile point for a running refreshment at The New Inn Pub. Progressing into Holliers Hill and past Bexhill Hospital until Tunnel under A.259. Leading into Belle Hill, the route traveled through Bexhill, and running refreshments was available at 18 mile point and drink Station at Dairy Crest in Terminus Road.
Cooden Drive at Beaulieu Road to other side of Cooden Drive supplied refreshments where the runners headed back to South Cliff. At this point the runners reached Bexhill(The Birthplace of Motor Racing) Promenade. A running refreshment was welcomed available at the 20 mile Drink station at Kiosk on Prom, just before the Famous De La Warr Pavilion. Continuing along Prom supported by the wind runners approached Galley Hill(Famous for Spike Milligan in his War years), a welcome stop at ‘Café on the Beach’ drink station (nearly 22 miles).
Terence Alan Patrick Seán Milligan KBE (16 April 1918 – 27 February 2002), known as Spike Milligan, was an Anglo-Irish comedian, writer, musician, poet and playwright. Milligan was the co-creator and the principal writer of The Goon Show, in which he also performed. Aside from comedy, Milligan played the trumpet, saxophone, piano, guitar and bass drum and well known to locals bothin Bexhill and Winchelsea.
The route continued past the Wreck of the Historic ‘Amsterdam’ and through to the Marina Beach Huts past the Hastings Sea Cadets alongside the railway line to the drink station at 23/24 miles. Travelling past the Beach huts to the Start/Finish of the popular Event Hastings half marathon. A welcome site of ‘Burton’s St.Leonards(The first purpose built seaside resort), where a Drink station was hosted at The Marina (Azur Restaurant)past the Hastings Pier. The run came full circle at the Town Centre.
Thanks to everyone who made this such a wonderful day.
Thanks for everyone that has sponsored Jon on this half marathon event..
http://www.justgiving.com/jonhubbard1
Well my travels in the New Year started with a trip to Bristol and what a trip that was...
Travelling with my map at my side and taking the scenic route I travelled through East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and up through Wiltshire eventually appearing at a petrol station asking the famous statement of where am I now? Wincanton holds a special place in my heart...I headed off from there knowing the A37 would take me directly to Bristol.
Arrivng at Clifton Village a little later than anticipated but Millenium Square, Royal York Crescent and the awesome Clifton Suspension bridge will be in my heart forever.
Jon was at the end of the telephone and greeted me on my arrival...we met up with the hospitality of Clifton Village within an hour sharing complimentary sherry, a pizza and red wine.
The Avon and surrounding countryside is impressive and is spanned by Clifton suspension bridge which can be viewed from Jon and Penny's flat.
On Saturday we took a short walk into Bristol City, the Harbourside and its beautiful development was our first walk of many that week end. The Harbourside forms a new creative quarter in the heart of Bristol that is set to raise the city's profile internationally. The Harbourside Development is sculpted around open public spaces, which provide for the citizens of Bristol and for visitors to the city, room to appreciate the location and interplay of buildings, both old and modern.
Brunel's ss Great Britain was in front of us and Jon reminisced about his visit to the mother of all modern ships, designed by Brunel. The ss Great Britain was the largest at 98 metres long, the most powerful and modern ship of her time, she was launched in Bristol in 1843, she was the first propeller driven ship to cross the Atlantic to New York which took 15 days. It was the start of a new era in ocean travel. Built of iron, some said she would never sail. After travelling over a million miles, in 1886, she was abandoned and left to rot in the Falkland Islands. In 1970, following a massive fund raising campaign, she was towed back to Bristol and is currently being restored to her former glory. Of course comments were ooh! Jon I vaguely remember that.
Our first sighting of a cormorant diving for fish caused us great excitement. The development reminded myself of Tigre deltas, and also central London as the buildings on the banks of the floating harbour give the variety of old and new properties and a wealth of wildlife. We stopped for coffee and a danish pastry at the Mud Dock, a metal swordfish was hanging above the culinay area [ I am not sure if they served it. Perhaps I'll have to go back and see.] The views of Bristol's 13th-century cathedral - the northern backdrop to the quarter - and the meandering waterways that define its southern and eastern borders were a different to Bristol twenty five years ago.
We ate lunch at the Folkhouse where we listened to folk music and tased a sample of scrumpy cider and vegetarian cuisine.
We spent a leisurely Saturday taking in the wealth and breadth of the most gorgeous historical English city.
Saturday night we watched an old favourite Woody Allens "Matchpoint."
On Sunday, we walked across the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which spans the beautiful Avon Gorge, and is the symbol of the city of Bristol. For approximately 150 years this bridge which is a Grade I listed structure has attracted countless visitors from all over the world. A Bristol wine merchant who left a legacy to build a bridge over the Gorge, had an idea. The story of the suspension bridge unfolds the 1754.
In 1829, a competition was the dream of Thomas Telford and was judged by Thomas Telford, a leading civil engineer of the day. Telford rejected all the designs some were not suspension bridges and others did not meet Telford's expectations, so he submitted his own design but the decision to declare him the winner was unpopular.
So a second competition was held in 1830. A 24 year old gentleman, Isambard Kingdom Brunel was eventually declared the winner and appointed project engineer – his first major construction. The foundation stone was laid in 1831 but the project was dogged with political and financial difficulties and by 1843, with only the towers completed, the project was abandoned.
Brunel died prematurely aged 53 yrs in 1859. The Bridge was eventually completed as his memorial and finally opened in 1864. Although, designed in the early 19th century for light horse drawn traffic, the Clifton suspension bridge still meets the demands of 21st century commuter traffic. Over, 11-12,000 motor vehicles crossing it every day.
Many questions about the Clifton Suspension bridge;
What are the dimensions of the Clifton Suspension Bridge?
The total length of the Clifton Suspension bridge is, anchorage to anchorage 1,352 ft (414 m.) It's total span,from its the bridges centre to the centre of the piers are 702 ft (214 m), and overall width 31 ft (9.5m.) The width of the bridge, centre to centre of chains are 20 ft (6.1 m) and its height at deck level above high wateris 245 ft (76 m).
The height of piers, including capping 86 ft (26.2 m), and the height of saddles 73 ft (22.3 m.) The dip of chains 70 ft (21.3 m). All told this marvellous construction is an outstanding piece of engineering.
What materials were used to construct the Bridge?
The chains and suspension rods are made of wrought iron,and the piers (towers) are built principally of local Pennant stone. The Leigh Woods which form the south pier stands on an abutment of red sandstone. The Bridge deck is made of timber sleepers, 5 inches (12 cm) thick and is overlaid by planking 2 inches (5 cm) thick. To meet the need of modern traffic the deck has been covered with asphalt.
Later we viewed the Clifton Observatory and Camera Obscura an old snuff grinding mill near to the Suspension Bridge on the Downs. It is now home to the Camera Obscura and entrance to St Vincent's Cave. We travelled through the Leigh woods and a buzzard hovered above us, what a wonderful way to spend a weekend.
Jon regularly trains here (running), on the 16th March 2007 where he hopes to successfully run in the Hastings Half Marathon and the full marathon at Hastings. A monstorous achievement for any mortal..
Whilst in Bristol a grande finale was roast dinner at The Eldon House. I travelled comfortably along the M25 that evening listening to Jack Johnson.
Thanks to everyone who sponsored Jon tragically lost a close friend at the age of 36 years old and several relatives have suffered from this disease http://www.justgiving.com/jonhubbard1. Also thoose who sponsored Penny in the Bristol 10k..for the Macmillan nurses.
Jon completed the run in 1 hour 44 minutes
Jon regularly trains in Bristol, and he successfully ran in the Hastings Half Marathon accompanied with 5000 runners including Bernie Smith. A monstorous achievement for any mortal see below..
