VIDEO: Damen's demons banished by Chi 10k victory

For Louise Damen, a visit to the Chichester Priory 10k in 2016 was altogether happier than her previous participation in the race.
Louise Damen won the women's race at the Chi 10k / Picture by Kate ShemiltLouise Damen won the women's race at the Chi 10k / Picture by Kate Shemilt
Louise Damen won the women's race at the Chi 10k / Picture by Kate Shemilt

Nine years ago she had a difference of opinion with a crash barrier and ended up injured and out of the race. This year, she won.

The Winchester athlete said: “I knew it was going to be tough today. I’m in heavy marathon training for the London Marathon.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It took me a good 5k to really get going. My endurance is good at the moment but my speed is lacking a little bit. But it was good for me to come and have a good hard race.

Louise Damen won the women's race at the Chi 10k / Picture by Kate ShemiltLouise Damen won the women's race at the Chi 10k / Picture by Kate Shemilt
Louise Damen won the women's race at the Chi 10k / Picture by Kate Shemilt

“The ladies pushed me hard all the way and I think it was quite a close finish. Coming back down the hill I knew my leg speed wasn’t the best it could be right now. So it was a case of gritting my teeth and making sure I held them off.”

Damen recalled her previous venture into the race and was able to smile about it - unlike back then.

“I haven’t been to this race for nine years. Last time I came here in 2007 I had a bit of an accident at the start. I collided with a big pedestrian barrier and picked up some nasty injuries.

“So it was good to come here and get rid of my demons.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Damen said she hoped to be back at next year’s race and said: “For me now it’s a case of getting my head down and training hard for the London Marathon. That’s my big target for this year.”

See the Chichester Observer - out on Thursday - for full coverage of the 10k, including reports, pictures and a full list of finishers and their chip times

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking sports news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

Share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!