Phil Sutters' photos with the keyword: race

The Lewes to Newhaven Charity Raft Race is 'run' over 7 miles down stream on the Sussex Ouse, from Lewes to Newhaven swing bridge. Along the route, which takes about 2 hours, the contestants are subject to 'pelting' with fruit and vegetables, stale bread, flour and similar non-toxic materials, mainly as they go under the bridges. Fortunately there are very few. There were eleven rafts this year. Unfortunately I could only stay for the first four to arrive at Newhaven.

To see information about the race please see the description under this photo www.ipernity.com/doc/philsutters/52077586

To see information about the race please see the description under this photo www.ipernity.com/doc/philsutters/52077586

To see information about the race please see the description under this photo www.ipernity.com/doc/philsutters/52077586

While no traffic is allowed on the road for the duration of the race, one can still try to cross the road between the cyclists, but as some of the races overlap, there can be long periods, when there is a constant stream of competitors going through.

The races are 'run' in a continuous format, with no gap between stages. There is an area, on the field behind the beach, where the competitors park their bikes, keep their changes of kit and footwear and can grab bottles of water as they pass, before joining the next stage.

This was, I believe, the winner of the Olympic class, in this year's Triathlon. He was certainly out in front by quite a margin in the final, running, stage.

The young man on his paddle board is one of the marshals, there to help people keep in lane and respond to any calls for assistance.

The Martello tower is one of the features that makes a bit of variety in the otherwise fairly straight and flat promenade. The other is the small hump in the coastline at the western end of the course, behind the Bonningstedt Parade. As cyclists they have to go over it and back, but as runners they go along the flat beside the beach.

While the cycle stage has the unobstructed use of the Marine Parade, the running stage has to negotiate locals, day trippers and holiday-makers. There are marshals at key points, but for much of the route the signs saying 'Share with care' need to be observed by all.