London - Brighton - Newhaven

On the last day of running in the UK, the team started out on the A23 near Fernstanton School, the most southerly point in our previous day's running in London. It was another beautiful day with blue skies and sunshine. Our aim was to run to Newhaven via Brighton so as to be ready for the 8am Ferry on Saturday.

The day was spent running through the beautiful rolling landscape of Southern England. As we neared the coast the South Downs rose up before us until they had to be climbed.

Three of our team - Mila and Gabby from the Czech Republic, and Franz from Austria - took on the challenge to follow the steep and twisting road up the famous Ditchling Beacon. At the top they were greeted by panoramic views. Andrea from Hungary took the Torch and followed the undulating descent into Brighton. With a few miles to go to the coast, UK coordinator, Balavan, took over and ran through Brighton to the sea front.

The team, inspired by the sight of the sea, joined him for a run along the shingle beach towards Newhaven. After a mile or so we came to a children's play area on the beach front and eager children and parents held the Torch to run a little before posing for some photos. Afterwards the team continued in relay along the coast to cover the last few miles to Newhaven.

The sight of Bijon arriving at the ferry booking office carrying a flaming torch created a minor sensation with the staff, after which we collected our tickets for the team’s journey to France the next day. We retired to the Youth Hostel in Brighton where Gabby prepared a delicious meal, much appreciated by the hungry runners. Then it was time for farewells as the UK team returned to London, leaving the European team to prepare for their crossing to France the following day.

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Distance: 100km

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