One of my favourites due to variations and challenge that awaits. You can pretty much split this race into 4 segments.

Segment 1 – Rye Nature Reserve  – a 5km stretch along the tarmac path. Dead flat but exposed to the elements. If the wind is against it’s pretty brutal. This part of the race should feel easy, but it’s often where the biggest mistake can be made. Go off too fast and you’ll run out of energy for the hills. So stick to half marathon pace, or even a little slower.

Segment 2 – Pett Sea Wall – 4km along the sea wall, which is a very narrow path with some shingle. Again very exposed to the elements. It’s a part of the race you should still feel comfortable but need to hold back the pace.

Segment 3 – The Climb – This is where the race gets very tough. You have an initial 1km climb from Pett Level through the wooded path on the cliff edge. Then you get a rest as you head down into Fairlight. But then it gets ugly. Kilometres 12-14 are all uphill, through the village and then into the Country Park. 90% of the field are likely to take walk breaks so don’t be afraid to do the same. Try to keep them short though and get running again. Your pace will be very slow during this part of the race but ignore it.

Segment 4 – The Descent – This is where the fun begins. You’ve done the hardest part of the route and now you get to run downhill to the finish. If you’ve got the first part of the race correct you should feel like you can finish strongly and anywhere between 5-10k pace should be achievable for the final section of this race.