Standards Rising At Phoenix
Cash boost for Potter as 607 finish Brighton 10K...
Brighton Phoenix 10K is a top-class, mid-week race usually held on the third Wednesday in July. This year's 12th running broke tradition with an appearance last week on 12 July, but there was no change in the convention for fast times on the flat promenade course.
Breakaway club Brighton Phoenix was formed as Phoenix Athletics Club in 1981 by coach and athlete Matt Patterson and 1980 Olympic 800m champion, Steve Ovett. A statement on the club's Facebook describes the club's ethos as being: "Born from the spirit of freedom to choose your own athletic path. There are no rigid structures at Phoenix. Just a collective will to support every athlete to become the best you can - and enjoy the ride."
It is that sense of freedom that has been celebrated each July since 2011 through Brighton Phoenix 10K, the first winners being Dean Lacy (Cambridge Harriers, 30:22) and Emma Richards (Hailsham Harriers, 37:35) from 363 finishers.
The course records are swift: Irsih flyer Finn McNally (Brighton Phoenix, 29:48) last year and Rebecca Moore (Chichester AC, 34:30) in 2016. The prize structure acts as an incentive to elite performers, with time bonuses and course record awards. But this does not stop all standards from entering and enjoying the attractive out-and-back course past the colourful beach huts.
The race runs west from Hove Lawns towards Shoreham on the promenade to Hove Lagoon, passing Carats Café at 5K, and returning to finish at Hove Lawns. This year there were 607 finishers in 1:31:20 and more than 400 ran faster than 5min/kilometre for sub-50 minutes.
Chasing the cash at the front were the top three men: Ned Potter (Chichester Runners, 30:22), Matthew Crehan (St Helens Sutton AC, 30:38) and record holder Finn McNally (Brighton Phoenix, 31:21). The winner boosted his prize to £180 by going under 31:00.
The women's record and £300 bonus prize also went unclaimed as W35 Cassie Thorp (City of Portsmouth AC, 35:55) led the way from W55 Elspeth Turner (Horsham Blue Star Harriers, 37:24) and Eilish Dawson (unattached, 37:40).
Brighton Phoenix's annual race helps to raise club funds to assist the development of athletes of all ages and abilities as well as supporting partner charity The Clock Tower Sanctuary which provides a drop-in centre for 16-25 year olds who are experiencing homelessness.
Results and last year's report are at the runABC South race listing here.
