This was my 15th time running the Bognor Prom 10k. In 2023 I didn’t take part through injury and in 2024 Sharon and I volunteered and helped marshal part of the route. It was most enjoyable and there were no incidents of note - which I suppose is why it was enjoyable.

This year’s race was three weeks after the London Marathon - which broke me good and proper. I really struggled in the immediate days that followed but managed five miles running the following week and then 15 miles the week after. A few runs ahead of the 10k and I was ready to go. I’d done no speed training other than at parkrun all year - and 5km fast doesn’t mean you can run 10k fast! I was hoping my marathon fitness would help.

The start

The weather was perfect with loads of sunshine and a very light wind.

I had no expectations at all for the 10k other than thinking that I wanted to start with or near to the 45 minute pacer and go from there based on feel.

I got carried away!

I went through the first mile at about 42 minute pace. This felt OK (to be fair it always feels OK for the first mile) but I was trying to hold back a little. The miles ticked over and there were plenty of people around me to run with.

I got to the 5k point in 21:10 which I was really happy with - it was just a case of being able to maintain that pace and do it all again.

I do love this event and running through your home town/village and knowing lots of people running and lots who are supporting at the roadside makes it special.

As you leave the promenade for the final few hundred metres to the finish

The last couple of miles I actually started to push a little harder and somehow was able to do so. I ran into the finish line, stopped my watch and it said 41:48 - meaning that I ran the second half quicker than the first - probably one of the only ‘negative splits’ I’ve ever done in a race.

I was really happy with my time - and post race cheered many of the other runners in and stopped off at the local pub for a free beer (for all runners) before heading home.

Just before the finish