Hurst break 'The Wall' at Brighton Marathon 2012

The College has made its contribution to the Brighton Marathon for the third year running by providing minibuses, music and an all-important water station, placed this year where the runners needed it the most – ‘The Wall’.

By the 19 mile stage of any marathon, most competitors will have burned through their carbohydrate stores and their bodies will develop intense fatigue.  For this year’s competitors Hurst was at hand to help - literally. Next to Hove Lagoon, College volunteers appeared as a row of red shirts in contrast to the blue of the clear sky and glistening sea; passing out energy boosting drinks to all.

At the nearby Band Stand, VI formers Emma McPhilemy and Millie Singleton plus former pupils Alex Treharne, Tom Taylor and Josh Hammond performed numerous musical sets as the race’s front runners sped past. The leaders had reached the half-way point just an hour and seven minutes after the starting horn; sounded this year by the Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Gus Poyet.

The streets were lined by thousands of supporters at every twist and turn of the city’s weaving course. The snake of people could be seen for miles. Many had dressed for the occasion in traditional comedic fashion with one man carrying what seemed as a larger than life-sized tiger on his back. Needless to say, the crowds roared him home.

In a course record breaking time of 2:12:03, Peter Some, the 21 year old elite runner from Kenya, tore the tape to take an impressive victory from the second placed Dominic Pius Ondoro, also of Kenya. The best placed woman was Belarusian Sviatlana Kouhan who secured a time of 2:29:37.

Hurst was represented in the race by teachers Steve Crook and Mike Lamb who finished with times of 4:47:43 and 4:30:37 respectively.

The College’s involvement was organised by Services Manager, Dennis Levy, and Director of Sport, Rob Kift, who saw that the day passed smoothly with the committed support of peers and pupils from both the past and present. 

“It was a joy to be able to offer our full support to all of the runners from our water station once again” said the Director of Sport, Rob Kift. “It is so important that everyone remained encouraged and hydrated in what is arguably the most challenging phase of any marathon. A huge congratulation goes to the participants and volunteers that made it a fantastic day all round.”

For Services Manager, Dennis Levy, “It was a really fun day. After an early start, we picked up the elite athletes and VIPs from their hotels to get them to the start line. We even had one bus dedicated to just the athletes' baggage! As this is our third year of helping in this way, we have really got this down to a fine art.”