News is out: It’s been HOT!
A heatwave has hit the UK and for many of us, it’s been an excuse to exchange our running boots for flip flops, and our energy gels for sunscreen.
But, this is Folkestone Running & Athletics Club we’re talking about. A bit of heat and sun isn’t going to stop them from getting out to run.
That’s exactly what some of us have been up to these last two weeks.
So, accompanied by a last-minute fan purchased from Argos and our feet dipped in an off-market ice bath, let’s get a good look at exactly what this week’s edition of the Race Report has in store…
Clifftop Challenge 2026
Despite a warm weekend, a healthy (and now tanned) bunch of club members took on this year’s Clifftop Challenge on Saturday 20 June.
This multi-distance event sees runners participate in a few different distances from 5 to 55 miles!
It was well attended with FR&AC colours spreading across the day and traversing locations such as Hastings, East Sussex, and Deal.
We have a couple stories from runners on the day about how it went for them, so let’s hear from Jenny “Twiggy” Healthfield and Tony Scott.
Jenny: “On Saturday it was my fifth year of running The Cliff Top Challenge which is a charity event which raises money for Breast Cancer Now.
“Five years ago I took on my very first ultra marathon here which was 36+ miles.
“Last year I wanted to up my game and attempted the big one at 55 miles, but unfortunately a heatwave prevented me from continuing and I had to stop.
“However, this year I decided I would try again, (as I don’t like to be beaten!) and got up for a nice early start at 2am with the first 7-8 miles running in the dark.
“It certainly wasn’t easy especially when you start hitting the big hills from mile 27, although I was pleased for the change of scenery after a long stretch along the military canal.
“I am pleased to say I finally did it in a time of 13:36:32.
“My biggest highlights of the day were the support from fellow runners, my friend Jodie running some of the course with me and finishing with my husband, my dogs and running club friends all there at the finish line cheering me on.
“This event will always be a special one for me and I highly recommend others to give it a go next year. I will be there for sure but I’ll most likely do a shorter route!”
“Myself (Tony), Diane Parsons, Clive Allon and Gary Brazier ran the 15 mile Clifftop Challenge from Capel to Deal.
“It was hot with fog, rain and bright shine at times. Diane, Clive and I set of together and had a lovely run to Dover where Clive ploughed on ahead and Diane and I plodded on home.
“We did it in about 3 hours 6 minutes which was about 14 mins faster than last year.
“It was also such a privilege to see Jenny Twiggy Heathfield complete her 55 miles and cheer her over the line. What a legend!”
Also running it on the day, was David Tetlow who took on the 36 mile (which turns out is actually 38!) and Claire Tetlow who also ran the 15.
Round Sheffield Run
One week later, despite the heat and his prior effort the previous weekend, Tony Scott said; ‘hold my drink!’ – and went out for another brilliant run!
Here’s what he got up to:
“After running the Clifftop Challenge 15 mile trail run last weekend, I travelled up to Sheffield on Saturday 27 June to run the Round Sheffield Run, a multi-stage running experience.
“This 15 mile run split into 11 timed stages through the countryside leading out of Sheffield into the Peak District and back through some stunning scenic settings is a fantastic racing event with a range of trail sections from 2.8km climbs through wooded hillside to 800m downhill sprints.
“It was hot and a race to far for my injured foot, which meant I had to walk the last 2 or 3 sections, but the camaraderie and cheerfulness of the other runners was amazing and we helped each other through a tough course to all finish with a medal, a smile and a cold beer.
“I would recommend, in fact highly encourage everyone to consider this tough, unique trail race.”
The MNC Menjangan North Coast Ultra 15k Trail Run
This is the season of the long runs! Our runners just love them, so much so they’ll travel the globe to get them done.
Jane Wren had a story to tell from her recent weekend trail run, all the way from Bali! Here’s how she did:
“This was a real adventure. The race started at 6am in the dark (although it was still 26 degrees) and headed off into the Weat Bali National Park.
“The ground was hard and rocky with undergrowth and roots and branches across the paths, so a head torch was needed for the first 2-3km until we came out of the trees and the sun had risen.
The total elevation was 220m and some of the hills were a real hard climb up and down!
“We finally came out on to the beach for the final 2-3 km and had to run along the sand, which was probably hardest part. The tide was at its highest.
At the last 1km we came to an inlet that was impossible to cross and we were directed out to sea to walk along a sand bank.
“It was terrifying and funny all at once as the waves rolled in. Our socks and shoes filled with sand making the last 1km very hard.
I went to take my last blok and realised it was very salty and slimy – but, needs must!
“I loved every minute, but couldn’t have done it without my son by my side. That’s one race I will never forget.”
Hellfire Kent Backyard Ultra Series: Bedgebury
Ultra trail running queen, Sylwia Tokarska is no stranger to efforts like this. But, it’s no less impressive that she’s still able to come back and do another extraordinary long-distance effort.
Here’s the tale of her most recent challenge which she of course aced again:
“My first Backyard Ultra is done! 7 laps (48km, around 850m of ascent) with a 9pm start! Running into the night was one thing, but add thunderstorms, lightning up the trails, and torrential rain, and it became a proper adventure.
“For anyone new to the format: Backyard Ultras are run as 6.7 km loops, starting every hour on the hour. Finish the loop within the hour and use the remaining time to recover before the next lap. Miss the cut-off, and you’re out.
“I finished every yard in under 50 minutes, giving myself at least 10 minutes to reset before heading back out. Massive thanks to my trail husband for keeping me fed, hydrated, organised, and ready to head back out every hour.
“Having volunteered at three races in the series, it was great to finally stand on the other side of the start line. A brilliant first Backyard experience—and definitely not my last.”
Here’s your parkrun stories:
“A few of us did Progression parkrun which is a closed parkrun in Mountjoy Prison, Dublin.
“No watches or phones allowed! 8 laps of the yard with the prisoners and guards. We then had drinks with them which gave us an opportunity to chat, followed by a tour of a cell.
“The prisoners have to earn the privilege to run by adhering to rules and proving trust.
“The prisoner that gave us a tour had been in for 8 years and told us that he looked forward to parkrun as there was little to do at weekends, they can be in their cells for 23 hours.
There are fewer staff at weekends to supervise activities and there is no “school” (educational classes) so parkrun is their opportunity to interact and support rehabilitation.”
That’s the power of parkrun right there. Good work team.
The full weekend of parkrun results from our FRAC members can be found here.
