The inaugural race in the Dover Running Series by Hellfire Events took place at the Citadel on October 1st, in what can only be described as nearly perfect running conditions. As a result of the clear sky, all the runners and spectators were treated to uninterrupted views across the channel to France. The atmosphere was electric throughout the event, with many people coming together to join us at the start of our Hellfire Events journey, as well as to experience the Citadel as it opened its doors to public sport for the first time in its history. It was also nice to see so many running clubs from around Kent coming to join us.

Due to the lack of rain, the footpaths surrounding the hills of the Western Heights fortifications were dry and very runnable. However, the 20-degree heat added an extra layer of difficulty onto an already challenging run.

In total, we had 35 runners take up the challenge of the 5k race, of which 6 were taking part in an event for the very first time. In part, I would like to think this is because of the new park run on the Dover Seafront, which is without doubt inspiring people into the sport. There was 16 males, 18 females and one non-binary runner competing in the 5k race.  

Whilst in the 10k race, the total number of runners was 69, of which 2 were taking part in their first-ever running event. In total, there were 41 males and 28 females competing in this race.