Last Saturday morning saw over 2,000 people set off from Eastbourne, climbing up on the spectacular Seven Sisters Country Park along with the ups and downs of the coastal path, whilst enjoying the stunning scenery at Beachy Head, 162m above sea level!
I trekked this event with my friend Adriana. Adriana was also fundraising for the British Heart Foundation, in memory of her Grandmother who sadly passed away last year. We had trained together over the months leading to the event.
I also had my family taking part in this event although they had an earlier start time for us. Myself, my Dad, my Aunties, and Cousin were all taking part, in loving memory of our Grandad/Dad.
This was certainly the hardest challenge I have faced in my life which tested your mental and physical strength. The South Coast Challenge is a 100km trek which starts in Princes Park, Eastbourne and ends in Arundel. As this was my first Ultra Challenge event we decided on doing the first half of the challenge which was the first 54km (33.5miles) – Eastbourne to Hove Park, Brighton.
Mine and Adriana’s start time was 09:20 am and we finished around 20:30 pm which included around 1 hour 15 minutes worth of stoppages over the course of the day. The rest stops every 12.5km were a blessing so we could check on our feet, plaster/tape up and change our socks – trying to do everything you could to prevent blisters.
The months of hard training paid off and was certainly required in facing some of those inclines. It was certainly not a flat course, we were trekking make no mistake about it. This was no ordinary walk and the very hot conditions made it very difficult for some who unfortunately didn’t finish. Regardless of the time, quitting was something I was not going to do. It was important that I finished this challenge, the very first South Coast Challenge 2016.
My official results for the First Half Challenge were:
Rank 51 (Division: Overall)
Rank 21 (Division: Men Overall)
Rank 13 (Division: By Category)
I would like to personally thank everyone who has supported me through your kind words of encouragement and for your donations on my Just Giving page. I am truly grateful! So far I have been able to achieve my target of £500.00. I would also like to say congratulations to my family who has been able to reach their target of £2000.00! A fantastic achievement!
The day of the trek was a special day, it was the one year anniversary of my Grandad’s death. The South Coast Challenge is set to raise around 1.5 million pounds with over 300+ charities involved! A fantastic feat for everybody involved in fundraising! I am very proud that we all completed such a difficult challenge. Challenges are meant to be tough and test your ability, energy, and determination to deal with something that we have never done before.
Rest In Peace Grandad.
Antonio Valentino
