By Isle of Wight Observer
On Saturday, six brave souls, from Newport-based athletics club Isle of Wight Road Runners, took on a running event with a difference.
The South Downs Relay is one of the UK’s most iconic club trail running events. Beginning as a small event in the 1980s, it has grown in popularity and is now invitation-only, with around 50 teams competing from across the south of England.
The 100-mile relay begins in Eastbourne and follows the South Downs Way national trail to Winchester. With six runners in each team, athletes take turns to carry the baton across 18 relay legs, completing three legs each. This year, difficult weather conditions added to the challenge, with high winds and torrential rain throughout the day. However, many runners from the IW team beat their predicted times.
Three athletes made their debut for the team – Nathan Docksey, Euan Hutcheson and Simon Newman – alongside returning members, Ross Wilkes, Ashley Crabbe, and Steve Apsey.
Ross said: “This was my fourth time doing this race and it was by far the worst weather I’ve encountered. I’m so proud of the lads, everyone did their bit on race day, and the support crew were perfect. It was an incredible result.”
The recorded score on its second quickest time since first taking part in 2015: 12h 15m.
Team support crew member, Zoe Elliot, said: “The team camaraderie and support for each other was amazing, and spirits stayed high despite the hideous conditions.”