It's a rare but pleasant thing to hear about a popular race that has an unbroken record of completion despite the restrictions that have been necessary to control the coronavirus pandemic. Nice Work's Rye 10 and 5 Mile event falls into that exclusive category as an ever-present for 10 successful years.

The 10th-anniversary race is on Whit Sunday (23 May) with a Covid-secure start line open from 8am to 10am. The race HQ is unusual as it is based at Jempsons Superstore, Peasmarsh, East Sussex – one of Britain's few remaining independent, family-owned supermarkets that stays closed on Sundays and has been trading here since 1935.

History is all around as the race leaves Peasmarsh and heads for the ancient Cinque Port town of Rye. The Landgate (pictured above) dates from 1329 during the reign of King Edward III and was part of the fortifications necessary to secure the town's trading success.

Last year's winners of the main 10-miler were Gary Foster (Hy Runners, 55:48) and Rachel Gorman (Brighton Phoenix, 1:05:27). The 5-mile champions were Ed Bovingdon (Istead & Ifield Harriers, 26:26) and Annabel Preston (Weald Tri, 35:26).

The 10-mile course record is 54:45 by Simon Heath (Brighton Phoenix) set in 2019 while his clubmate Rachel Gorman holds the women's best performance from last year. The supporting 5-mile race was only introduced in 2020 so inaugural course records were established.

Last year there were 111 finishers in the 10 miler in just over two hours and 51 completed the 5-mile option in 1:14:40. Late entries may still be possible for the 2021 edition of this hilly but rewarding thrash through the High Weald countryside but check the Nice Work Rye 10 website or on Facebook for the latest information.

Race details and previous results at runABC South comprehensive race listing here

Image: The Landgate Rye by De Facto on Wikipedia