It's high time that runABC South got into the Christmas spirit, so here is our festive report from the sold-out Mince Pie 10 that was hosted on Sunday (4th December) by Seaford Striders (strapline: we don't just run, we also have fun) at Peacehaven Leisure Centre in Sussex. 

The Mince Pie 10 is a ten-mile race that is 60% off-road on farm tracks and bridleways, with the remainder of the route on quiet country roads. For footy fans, the course links Peacehaven FC with Saltdean United FC, passing both football grounds, with a testing climb at six miles. There are around 70 marshal posts and our photo shows the volunteers preparing for their duties in hi-vis and thermals – it was a bitterly cold morning. 

Festive fancy dress is positively encouraged and was very much in evidence at this popular seasonal event that has been a huge success since 2003. Entries are limited to 650 and these are snapped up in advance every year. This year's total finishers number was 509 in 2:30:00 – congratulations to Run Academy Worthing's W80 master Patricia Cummins at the back.

It is rare to see 60 minutes beaten on this testing course but that target was smashed by James Turner (Brighton & Hove AC, 55:07) who finished almost a mile ahead of Dan Stent (Vegan Runners UK, 1:00:24) and Jamie Signy (Brighton Phoenix, 1:00:47). This was the fastest winning time since James Baker (Chichester Runners, 55:14) in 2018 and is believed to be the best on record. 

The women's champion this year was Amy Harris (Brighton Phoenix, 1:05:39) – the best time since Alice Braham's event record 1:02:11 for BBC Running Club in 2005. Also finishing under 70 minutes were Yasmin Coleman (Arena 80, 1:07:31), Victoria Alikhan (Brighton & Hove AC, 1:08:48) and Alison Moore (Brighton Phoenix. 1:09:36).

There were Christmas puds for the top five and a bespoke medal, goody pack, and mince pies for all finishers. One popular innovation was the running gear swap shop at Race HQ, where unused items could be exchanged for something more useful – what a great idea!

Seaford Striders are grateful to race sponsors David Jordan Estate Agents, Intersport, and Sussex Sports Photography. Seaford Striders also provided pre-race and post-race massages. The race beneficiaries are two local charities – Waves, providing practical help and support to families in the Seahaven area and The Chaseley Trust, a unique nursing home specialising in caring for residents with complex neurological disabilities or progressive conditions. 

Full results courtesy of Nice Work are available at runABC South race listing here

Image courtesy Seaford Striders on Facebook