Race Report by Miranda Mallery

The first Sunday in December can only mean one thing in the running calendar… The Alan Green 10 mile/5 mile memorial run… An annual event in memory of Alan Green who was a founder member of the Thanet Roadrunners in 1982, hosted and organised by Thanet Roadrunners Athletics Club.

This road race incorporates a 5 and 10 mile race covering a spectacular, and mainly flat, coastal route spanning the cliff tops and promenades of Cliftonville, Margate and Westgate.

The weather is almost predictably, and notoriously, wild but this year, despite a cold and occasionally gusting wind, we were spared the rain for the majority of the run.

The registration/number and timer chip collection process was straightforward and well organized by all the super Volunteers who directed everyone to where they needed to be in a seamless and timely fashion… There just remained a Coastal Striders group photograph to be taken before the off.

What a fabulous turnout from the Coastal Striders team including those who volunteered their time in making sure the event was safe, well-structured and enjoyable for us all.

It was a cold start, waiting on the green for the start… There was nervous anticipation but lots of laughter and everyone was excited and ready to go. The atmosphere was fun and we headed off… The Marshalls who were positioned around the course were amazing and so encouraging directing us with lots of enthusiasm despite the fact they must have been freezing cold but kept on smiling and cheering us through.

Those staffing the Water Station at Westbrook were amazing… Such a cold corner but they did a fantastic job.

On a personal note, Julie and I found ourselves running with a really nice man called Scott. As we progressed through the miles, we were chatting… Scott was training for his first half marathon in London in April, 2024. As we got to mile 6 he told us that he had never run 10 miles before and had been really nervous about today’s race. The challenge was on…

We continued at a steady pace and after further conversation, it then transpired that this was Scott’s first official race… This would mean his first ever medal! We passed the 9 mile marker with the knowledge that we were on the home straight. The course ended with a slight downhill and we all sped up just as a cross wind hit us…. Scott absolutely stormed across the line ahead of me and received that medal. A pivotal moment…. I really hope he will join us on a club run or two in preparation for April. A fantastic achievement.

This really is an event for all abilities… Whether it be your first 5 mile challenge, a fast 5 miler for those looking to increase or improve your speeds and times, your first 10 miles following a 10k achievement or in preparation for a half marathon or marathon in April next year… this race accommodates everyone.

Advice? Dress for the occasion…You can always lose a layer!

The people you meet along the way are fundamental to your running experiences…I thoroughly enjoyed this event…Every single person, at every level, was awesome.

The cake station was incredible and the medals fantastic…. Thank you Thanet Road Runners, Team Coastal Striders, all the supporters…family and friends and all involved.