There was a running battle at the BBB 10K on Sunday (4 September). 

The 13th annual race is now managed by Nice Work on behalf of Battel Bonfire Boyes – the world's oldest bonfire society. Apparently, in 1646, St Mary's Church in Battle allocated the grand sum of two shillings and sixpence in funds for gunpowder treason rejoicing. Ever since then there have been annual bonfire night celebrations in the Sussex town.

This year the fireworks were provided by HY Runners' race winners William Carey (35:17) – pictured above – and W40 Sophie McColdrick (42:15) as 258 battled to finish the 'undulating' course in just under 90 minutes. 

Carey was pursued by Will Withecombe (Hastings Runners, 35:32) and first master M45 Daniel Anderson (Hastings AC, 35:47). The first junior under-20 was fourth-placed Callum Puxty (HY Runners, 36:00).

In the women's race, the top five finishers were all master athletes. Sophie McColdrick had 15 seconds in hand over W35 Lianne Leakey (Hailsham Harriers, 42:30) and W45 Helen O'Sullivan (Hailsham Harriers, 44:27) completed the podium.

There are always a few 'never again' comments after this spin through the rolling hills that surround the town that takes its name from the Battle of Hastings – the most famous conflict on English soil – giving rise to the title 1066 Country in memory of the fateful day when King Harold was defeated by William Duke of Normandy, who was crowned King on Christmas Day.

Typical of those 'never again' comments was this from 59:54 finisher Debra van Aalst: "Can't say I really enjoyed it after five attempts. It still sucks you in and spits you out somewhere around 7K but I'll probably be on the start line next year!"

Meanwhile, Rachel Ray (1:01:16) likened it to childbirth when she posted: "I was just thinking that this race malarkey is EXACTLY like childbirth! Time definitely makes you forget".

See the full results via runABC South race listing here

Image courtesy Nice Work on Facebook