Running and solving clues in silly outfits what more could you want!
Its not often you get to play a board game whilst running but at FLRC anything is possible . I am not sure if the residents of Ferring knew what had hit them on Saturday morning, when a whirlwind of Foxy Ladies blew into the village!
A chilly wind gusted them into the car park at Bluebird Café, which they arrived at after solving the first online clue. Once at the starting point, the teams were given the rules and set off to find the murder location, weapon used and the culprit, along with a map and Cluedo tick sheet.
The amazing super sleuths
Viva Las FoxysClucking BrilliantTwister SistersDeviant DivasFoxy Bureau of InvestigationThe Baywatch BabesAin’t got a ClueG’s n TGives us an F
Whatever was missing in terms of rooms, suspect and weapon was the answer.
Always fair always inclusive
As always with every other foxy summer challenge we have ever done, we make it as fair as possible and available to all, regardless of pace and ability, age and fitness. Points were awarded based on the following.
Team Criteria – to include the following members, youth, vintage, injured (allowed to travel on wheels – we had scooters and bikes!) newbie and from a different running session.
Best team names
Outfits
First to start
Best pic with a banana
First to finish
Best video or photo collage showing their morning
Solving the murder
The Suspects
Our fab run leaders were dressed as the Cluedo suspects and dotted around various locations in Ferring that were marked on the team’s map. These along with lots of lovely Foxy volunteers, who were manning other locations and hiding weapons, were where the teams headed in their quest to solve the murder.
Always a little hidden challenge
Upon arrival at a location, they asked the suspect or volunteer for the room and in return for the answer, either had to perform a physical exercise, answer a question, roll a dice or perhaps even tell a joke, sing a tune or recite the alphabet backwards! The same system took place for the weapon and then they just had to guess who the suspect was by what they were wearing which I had hoped was obvious!
Mapping it out
They could choose to run to all locations and get extra bonus points, or try and solve it and hot foot it back to the start for maximum points.
Once all the detective teams were back and gave in their accusations, they then refreshed with watermelon and oranges and we announced the murderer, room and weapon.
It wasn’t until much later Saturday evening when all the teams had submitted their videos and photo collages that I was able to announce the results, once I had finished laughing at what they had all been up to in Ferring.
Congratulations to all our members that took part and to The Baywatch Babes that won. As ever, this was just for fun so all they won was the kudos of coming first but they were happy with that.
Thank you to all the run leaders and all the volunteers without whom it wouldn’t be possible to put on events like this. A big Thank You to the understanding member of the public in Ferring, local shop owners and the bus drivers!
Think Richard Whitely and Carol Vorderman then erase that from your mind and think more along the lines of Jimmy Carr, Rachel Ripley and inflatable hippos, buzzing bees, Harry Potters and nuns!! This is how Saturday 1st July unfolded.
The Challenge
All our summer challenges are designed to be a free fun event for club members to bring different people together that may not have met before and to have a laugh.
The challenge this year simply put ….was a letter running relay with questions to solve a conundrum.
In more detail….Members of the club were invited to form teams of six to take part. Bonus points were given if they included a new member, a vintage one (60+), a youth member, an injured fox, and someone from a different training session.
A clue was released on our private Facebook page at 8am to give the location of the meet up point. This turned out be Shoreham FootBridge on the beach side.
The injured team member (Team member no 1 -TM1) was left at the Footbridge where they would take part in a quiz and a series of challenges, including some conundrums and earn vital points for the team. The rest of the team were given clues to the next location where they found a former Countdown presenter (marshal). Each marshal asked a question to the next team member and when they got that right, they would be given some letters to run back to TM1. TM1 collected the letters which would form a conundrum once all the other 5 members were back at base. The distance between team members was approximately 0.5 miles, spread along the river path. Each time they received the letters, they had to run back to the team member before them.
The Teams
Teams submitted their team names prior to the event and were awarded points for clever, funn,y or imaginative names.
Team names included The Rule Breakers, 6 go Conundrunning, The Yabbadabadoos, The Bounty Hunters, Taking The Mickey, Potters Plodders to name but a few.
As 0815 rolled around so the teams appeared, and the efforts that had gone into the costumes and the characters was not only amazing but hilarious. Points were awarded to the teams in the order in which they arrived.
From Top to Bottom : Hungry Hippos, The Proud Foxies and The Rule Breakers looking like they are lost!
The Points
As well as TM1 gathering points from the quiz, bonus points were given over the course of the morning for other achievements. Team names and outfits earnt points along with answering the questions at each marshal point and having a picture taken with a wooden object. They also obtained points by solving the conundrum, being the first team back with all the letters and for producing a photo collage or video of their morning. This levels out the fairness so it’s not all about the running or the speed at which you can complete the task.
Entertaining the Public
In past challenges, the public have absolutely loved being entertained by the antics and this year was no different. We had people sitting and watching the quiz take place whilst various team members ran back in their fancy dress over the footbridge with the letters. Ladies asking to join the club saying, “this is just what I am looking for”. After the event, we were told, that café owners were happy as customers bought extra drinks as they wanted to stay and watch the action along the high street. Some people took to social media sharing their pics and wondering what it was all about … just some women who love running having a bit of fun!
The Queen Bees
The Bounty Hunters
The Vixen People
The Yabbadabados
6 go Conundrunning
The Winners
It’s always a close race in terms of points and this year Potters Plodders claimed 1st place, just pipping The Rule Breakers to the post by 40 points. Closely followed by joint third place winners 6 go Conundrunning and The Queen Bees. To be honest everyone has such a fun morning that the winning is just the icing on the cake.
Thank you
Big thank you to all the marshals for giving up their time on a Saturday morning to help set up and be part of the madness. Massive thanks to all the teams that took part you went to so much thought and effort with the team names and outfits. Lastly thank you to Shoreham residents for putting up with our shenanigans hope you enjoyed the show!
Top row: Bottoms up, , D’Ice Maidens, Taking the Mickey. 2nd row: The marshals, Winers – Potters Plodders, Alll the teams.
It’s been a bit busy over the last 6 months…. what have we been up to?
London to BrightonBike Ride
Back in June last year, a group of Foxes who had previously signed up in 2019 (pre pandemic) to the London to Brighton Bike Ride, finally got to take part. Ten members (plus a friend of the foxes Laura) swapped their running trainers for wheels, to challenge themselves and raise money for the British Heart Foundation https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/events/london-to-brighton-bike-ride a charity close to many of their hearts.
With Leah (a tri-athlete and former half iron man competitor) at the helm, the group all trained hard. Often enduring the strong winds along the south’s coastal paths on lengthy training rides from Worthing to places like Rottingdean and back, or Bognor. Their training had to incorporate hills in preparation for some of the nasty ones along the route, thankfully this is something they all were familiar with from their hill running sessions.
The ladies meticulous planning and logistical prep worked well, however the hostel was 3 miles from the start at Clapham Common. Even with the scheduled start times the sheer number of participants and bikes on the road was overwhelming on occasions but spread out after the first 10 miles. The group naturally divided with the miles but they ensured in true foxy style that no fox was left behind. Sticking to one of the two groups of ladies they waited for each other at the fuel stops that were really well placed every few miles along the route. Extra vaseline, sun cream, food and hydration were applied, eaten and drunk when necessary and they considered themselves really lucky with the weather and only a couple of minor scrapes and no punctures! Ditchling Beacon was certainly a challenge and all the ladies were chuffed with their achievements up that mighty hill, some managing it non stop.
All of the Foxy ladies Go Cycling group made it to the finish line triumphant, relieved and tired but absolutely buzzing with excitement at completing it. They then had another few miles to get to Hove Station for bike pick up and the journey home. Even more rewarding was a few days after the ride seeing that they had raised over £2500 and in the top 5% of fundraisers for the event.
Leaving the HostelAt the startAll smiles at top of the BeaconWe made it to the top of Ditchling BeaconFeeling great at the finish
Swim n Run
Every summer for the first Monday of each month the Foxy Ladies pitch up at Arundel Lido at 6pm and swim 16th lengths and then run a 5km and why not! We encourage all our members to try something different whether its this or something else. This is a great way without any pressure to try out a mini aquathlon and to see if its for you before committing to a race.
Its about the experience and sharing that experience with others that leaves people feeling so exhilarated after. Everyone that tried it out for the first time last year was so delighted that they had done it and said they would not have done it without the club and other members support but couldn’t wait for the next opportunity to try it again.
The Lido is in an ideal location for a road or trail run after a brisk outdoor swim and the stunning Arundel Castle it’s back drop. The ladies hop out the water pull on their trainers and run off straight away to replicate minimal transition times as if they were to race. The Lido are very accommodating and staff always happy to help so why not give it a try.https://arundel-lido.com/
June 2022August 2022
Races ….so many races
As a club we take part in so many races every month so we often don’t really mention them apart from on our own club or personal social media. In 2022 we saw an absolutely magnificent amount of races and members attending them, mainly due to the fact that so many were postponed in the previous years. What we love as always is trying a new or different race, supporting our ladies around a course and being at the end for the all important race finish and obligatory pics.
We tried out the new trail race at National Trust Leonardslee Gardens. That was a bit different, few different laps and a bit hilly in places and lots of lovely statues, trees and plants to look at whilst we ran. https://www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/all-events/seasonal-series
Chilly LeonardsLee start
Soon warmed up by the end
Medal pose!
Marathon Heroes
Our ladies race for themselves, but also often with others in mind. Usually for reasons very close to their hearts, sometimes for lost loved ones or their own personal challenges with illnesses. Most raising money for national or local charities. Whatever their reason or motivation they are never alone, the support on training runs from others foxy members or on the side lines is always immense.
This year our ever inspiring members did that again training relentlessly through the summer for October Marathons, in London, Loch Ness and Beachy Head. They captured our hearts following their training journeys and then seeing them in action on the day. Well done to all our Marathon Heroes and Ultra-Marathon runners this year.
Supporting at Tower BridgeSara Hunter with all of her marathon medalsEmma Kirwin with her Loch Ness medalDonna Wignall & Amy Perry Run to the Sea Ultramarathon Oct 20222(From left to right) Claire Boak, Heather Wincell, Jennifer Freeman and Philippa Barker with their London Marathon medals.
The races continued with a small group travelling up North for the Great North Run and loving the route atmosphere and experience but perhaps not the travelling involved. We had another bumper turn out for the Great South Run, many doing it for the first time and making it their furthest distance, so it was good to talk about it afterwards over dinner at a great local restaurant.
Enjoying a nice meal after the 10 mile event.
Many more races have happened over the last 6 months too many to mention. We always attend the Chestnut Tree House Littlehampton 10km https://www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/events/littlehampton10k/ in September and every year the Foxes swarm in their masses to support Worthing 10km. This year it was in October, which was a refreshing change from the usual hot day we usually experience in June. Again, we saw many ladies complete this distance for their first time or come away with some great personal bests, all staying to cheer in the last foxy.
Learn to Run … done!
We also squeezed a new “learn to Run Course ” in September on a Thursday evening. We were delighted when all the ladies went on to graduate late in October, supported by existing Foxy members on a blustery seafront run. Completing their non-stop 5km and obtaining their certificate with pride. This group now have their own session they attend regularly.
Festive Frolics
The year finished with our usual festive antics. Our running routes included the charity lights in the Offington area and Saxifrage way. We also the obligatory town lights run and Soldier Trail that has become a familiar event in the Foxy Calendar. We had a huge turn out for the festive park run on Christmas Eve, some members achieving pbs even dressed as elves!!
After Christmas we completed our annual Pier to Pier run. This year opting for the wind behind us and running from Worthing to Brighton instead before catching the train home. Last but by no means least approximately 30 members turned out in the pouring rain to get even wetter and muddier at the Brutal. https://brutal.run/events This is an 8km course in the old Army base in Longmoor, Hampshire on New Years Eve. With waist high water, steep hills and muddy bogs to crawl through everyone did so well to come back with smiles on their faces and both shoes on their feet. We had whole families take part and we have the ultimate respect for our junior girls that took part that day as water levels were so high and conditions very bleak.
That concludes the end to another fun packed running year for the Foxy Ladies Running Club. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2023.
It has become tradition in our club to have a fun, free annual summer event that basically involves running around in outfits, having a laugh and winning some points along the way.
Previous years have seen the Great Escape around Cissbury Ring and surrounding areas, and The Enormous Escapade in Swanbourne Lake, Arundel.
This year we had a slight twist on it, it was a treasure hunt with organised clues around some of the streets, promenade and town centre of Worthing.
Half the club in attendance
18 teams of 6 members took part and it was open to everyone including our youth members. We aim to make these events as inclusive as possible so all our members can join in no matter their ability, fitness levels, pace or distance. Points were given based on team names, outfits, team criteria (to include injured, foxes from different sessions, young and older ladies), number of clue stops attended, best team photo with mystery item, team video and collages, first to the start and finish and bonus points collected en route for various tasks.
Get going
The spirits were high on arrival after solving the first clue issued on Facebook to get them to the start. We had marshals on bikes rotating, quickly cycling between different clue stops as the teams worked their way round. They were solving the clues and sometimes earning bonus points for things like burpees, bingo call outs or taking the stairs to the top of the multi-storey or simply taking team photos at certain points.
The outfits are always a winner
So much effort had gone into the outfits from pirates and royalty, to birds and fruit, from air stewards to super heroes and from inflatable poo’s to Abba and rainbow fairies!
They made it
There was a little chaos in the beginning when one team unknowingly went to the end destination, Beach House Gardens instead of Marine Gardens, after misreading the clue and then starting an hour behind everyone. They soon joined in and threw themselves into the fun.
After 18 clues and about 3.5 miles almost every team made it to the finish, where they were greeted with refreshments and homemade cakes.
Winners and points were announced later that day when everything had been collated and points awarded for videos and montages produced by the teams.
It was a fabulous day with lots of effort from everyone, big thank you to all the teams that took part and all the leaders and marshals that helped make it happen.
Raising money for a life saving cause in memory of Nick Votta
Here at Foxy Ladies Running club we pride ourselves on being one of the most supportive clubs around, more like a big family, so when something tragic happens to one of our members we all pull together to help them in any way we can.
Why
In June, one of our long-term members Sam Merrick lost her life partner Nick Votta of 35 years, in an unexpected heart attack, despite every effort to resuscitate him. He was a loving father of two, to his boys Matthew and Robbie. A real community-based man involved with the local Scouts organisation and always willing to lend a hand. He loved walking up Cissbury ring with his family and more recently with their foster dogs and of course the Findon Scout Group.
We wanted to do something that celebrated his life and love for the countryside but that would also benefit the community. We set about organising the Cissbury Ring Marathon Relay in his memory. The aim being, to raise enough money for a defibrillator to be accessible in the local area for walkers, runners and cyclists.
How
The Foxy members were asked to take part in teams of eight and to pay an entrance fee per person to raise the necessary funds. We were overwhelmed with the response and received a whopping sign up of 19 teams. With permission given from the National Trust to run through the ring and along the inside, we mapped out a route that was 1.2 miles, which meant 22 laps in total, equating to 26.4 miles, just over a marathon distance for each team.
When
On a cold, windy but sunny November morning about 150 Foxy Ladies traipsed up the steep hill to the start line. Some in fancy dress or team colours and some with face paints but all with a great spirit. Picnic rugs were laid down and teams set about organising themselves and keeping warm. Flasks of hot drinks were produced, a cake table was set up and team attire was arranged.
What
The lap had one upward hill climb to start and then into the biting wind followed by a more sheltered and down hill return. Ladies ran in pairs from each team, not only for company but for safety although the route was well covered by all our lovely volunteer marshalls. The laps were marked up on the scoreboard and it was exciting to see them being crossed off every time the ladies came in.
A few hours later all had completed their team marathons, even our youth girls aged 14 -18 took part and often helped other teams out by running laps for them. It was an emotional day for all that took part. Sam and her team “Vottas Vixens” all ran the last lap together in their specially designed red t-shirts. We are grateful to our club members and to all their partners for marshalling and volunteering on the day. All members were rewarded with a bespoke medal designed especially for the event and a unique one for Sam.
Members of the public also donated money on the day and purchased some of the lovely homemade cakes during the event. We were lucky enough to have another Foxy husband, Gareth Blower run the London Marathon back in October and the sponsorship he raised of £625 has gone directly to this cause.
The best news is that we have raised enough money to provide two rural defibrillators. This is in conjunction with The Sussex Heart Charity https://sussexheartcharity.org/ who provide a grant system to help with purchase, organisation and training of the defibs. We have now been given permission to place one up near Cissbury Ring and the other at Storrington Rise car park in their special cases and within a thermal bag to protect the defibs from the elements.
We hope these devices may never be needed but if they help to save just one life, then it has been very worthwhile.
We were so delighted to finally see our Learn to Run Courses graduate in May, we nearly burst!
Both the ladies adult course and the youth course were originally due to start back in January. Just as we were about to launch we went into a second country wide lockdown. Despite the three month delay we managed to hang on to the 30 ladies that had signed up for the adult course (max capacity). We were able to start in earnest on the 27th March, adhering to the government guidelines and in accordance with Sport England/ England Athletics regulations.
Our learn to run courses are always fun and each week taken gradually, to avoid injury and maintain motivation. We encourage all our participants to meet up with others on the course during the week to do their homework. This group were particularly great at getting together either along the promenade or around their local parks or streets. The progress is clear to see and quickly they are able to feel the benefits of the repetition.
8 weeks on and our adult graduation saw us down at Splashpoint for a flat 5km out to Brooklands and back. Although flat we were accompanied by the wind and the rain! This did not stop this amazing group of ladies from running the whole 5km, coming in to rapturous applause from waiting family and friends. They were then presented with their certificates.
The ladies in action!
Active youth course
We were lucky enough to receive funding from Active Sussex https://www.activesussex.org/ to set up a Satellite club. This is an extension of our own club to specifically target the 14-24 girls age group. Whilst we do already have junior members, this is the first time we had offered a learn to run course solely for youths. Our aim was to make the younger girls feel more comfortable and at ease. Coaching them in how to run properly, promoting a healthy attitude towards mental & physical well being whilst mixing with others of a similar age.
Unfortunately of the girls that signed up for the course some pulled out prior to the start, stating exactly the reasons we wanted to help alleviate through running – exam stress, mental health and anxiety and Covid 19 concerns. Others had either completed 0- 5km app or working on Saturday’s and no longer able to attend. This is such a shame but understandable especially due to the 3 month delay due to lockdown restrictions.
Finally the course was underway at the beginning of April with a small but perfectly formed group. The girls worked hard both during the sessions and in the week to repeat their timings. We were able to witness their confidence grow and friendships start to form.
We lost some girls after a couple of weeks and gained others along the way. By the time their graduation came our three remaining devoted girls gave it their all, completing 5km non stop. This is so impressive after starting on week one with 2 or 3 minutes jogging at a time.
Congratulations to all our girls. We are delighted to say all three girls have now become members. We are now able to offer a dedicated youth session every Saturday morning. If you know someone already active aged 14-18 that would like to join our junior session please do get in touch info@foxyladiesrunningclub.com quoting YOUTH.
