I joined over 700 other runners on Friday night to take part in Born2Run’s well-organised and unique Sea2Sky 10k event, described as a multi-terrain race. This popular race was a very enjoyable one, although it was very different to a standard road race. While it was hardly a roasting summer evening, conditions were pleasant amidst a stunning background underneath the Mournes. As is customary at Born2Run races, the Bruce Springsteen song blared out to signal the start, and we set off from Newcastle’s Central Promenade.
Mindful of the climbing that lay ahead, I ran the first 3k quicker than usual, and, on reaching Donard Forest Park with a steep incline, I noticed some of my fellow runners struggling and opting to walk. I was determined to keep running, albeit slowly. I reached the 5k mark in 25 minutes. Thoughts of a PB were now gone, and I was now concentrating on finishing in under 50 minutes.
Yet the stiffest challenges were still to come. Having navigated through sodden ground, trying to stay upright, us runners found ourselves alongside the Mourne wall uphill in single file. Undoubtedly, the view below was beautiful, but I found myself looking down at my feet to avoid injury from a stray rock or a hidden gap. We then started the descent, first on a single-file trail with bramble bushes on either side and finally into the streets and the park leading back into Newcastle town centre.
Aided by some words of encouragement from the local teenage drinking community and despite taking a wrong turn and being redirected by a laughing policewoman, I managed the last 3k, all downhill and flat, in just over 12 minutes to complete in 48:34. Having turned down the offer of a non-alcoholic beer, I headed for the welcome post-race barbecue with around my neck my new medal, which, on closer inspection, is also a bottle opener.