It Was All Happening in September
The Big Half
Called the Big Half for a reason, this year saw over 17,000 runners take part. Starting at the iconic Tower Bridge, the route weaves its way through Docklands before returning to where its started before finishing at the foot of another iconic landmark, the Cutty Sark. A must in any runners calendar, which is why this year saw six Crowborough Runners take part on what was a hot but enjoyable day.
Some great performances too by Mauro Di Santo (1:31:50), Janie Perry (1:39:44), Roisin Archer (1:42:31), Sarah Cooper (1:54:38), Scott Werner (2:13:26) and Bob Archer (2:44:52).
Hospice in the Weald 5k and 10k
Always a popular event, these events make a significant contribution towards the nearly £8 million that it costs to run the charity, and on the morning of the race the Lower Common cricket ground was packed with runners of all abilities all only too willing to show their support for such a worthwhile cause.
As always, a good turnout by the Crows with 6 members competing in the 5k and 6 in the 10k.
Hellingly 10k
Being surrounded by lush countryside, the village of Hellingly has got to be the ideal location for a 10k run.
This year’s race saw seven Crowborough Runners help Hailsham Harriers celebrate the 38th year of the vent . It was also being the 9th race in this year's Sussex Grand Prix series.
Advertised as an undulating route runners who hadn’t run it before soon discovered where the hell was in Hellingly as those running reported it as very hilly.
One saving grace was the weather on the day was perfect. No PB’s but great running by all who represented the Club.
Club 10k Relay
The Club 10k Relay is an event that brings runners of all abilities in the Club together, adults and juniors alike, and encapsulates the spirit of what the Club is all about.
When run previously the event proved to be highly popular. The event on 29th September proved to be even more popular with it being oversubscribed. What was great to see was many other members of the Club turning out to watch the runners competing strutting their stuff.
Billed as perhaps a bit of a fun event, all who took part gave it their all and thoroughly enjoyed themselves in doing so, as can be judged by the very smiley faces in the photographs below.
Eridge Park 10 Mile Trail Challenge
A magnet for mud larks perfectly sums up the annual Eridge Park Trail Challenge organised by Tunbridge Wells Harriers. Promoted as “a corker of a race”, the views are spectacular if have to time and energy to enjoy them. Nevertheless it is the steep & narrow climbs and the copious quantities of mud that people talk about most.
An event not for the faint hearted so some great running by five Crowborough Runners being Nick Harvey (1:11:21), Dean Taylor (1:20:00), Peter Noon (1:27:40), Alistair Lomax (1:27:55) and Sonja King (1:36:31)
Vitality 10k
Started in 2008 with a start line of 6,000 runners, this event regularly now attracts 17 to 20,000 runners. It also attracts some pretty prestigious runners with this Zak Mohamed, of Southampton Athletics Club, finishing in 0:29:07. For the girls it was Eilish McColgan who stormed home to a record third win of the event and in doing so equalling Jo Pavey’s record time of 0:30:35. Also storming home were Zach Drake and Louise Knapp of Crowborough Runners in times of 0:40:00 and 0:55:19.
Richmond Half Marathon
The Richmond Half Marathon is part of a weekend of running events that includes the Richmond RUNFEST Marathon and the Kew Gardens 10k..
It wasn’t long ago that we were pleased to welcome John Crockford to the Club. No stranger to running, John joined us from Gravesend Road Runners and whilst he has been a regular attendee at most Club events, he did a cheeky one on his own and ran the Richmond Half Marathon in a very respectable 01:51:08. Well pleased with himself, as you can see.
A Race Celebrating History and the Spirit of Endurance
The Flanders Fields Half-Marathon is an annual event that immerses runners in the poignant scenery of Flanders’ World War 1 landmarks. Running it this year on the 21st September 2025 were Club members James Welbury, John Tighe and Peter Maddison.
The race starts and finishes in Ypres, which is a place etched into the hearts of our nation and its mention instantly recalls the bravery of those who fought and the many that fell during the course of the First World War.
James writes:
"We started just off in the Market Place and run under the Menin Gate twice. The course took us past some of the smaller Commonwealth War graves on a showery day. Running I couldn't stop thinking about the thousands of young lives that were lost, or who had to suffer the freezing cold, wet trenches, being bitten by rats and catching pneumonia if they weren’t shot.”
Back To Black
If you happened to be in the South Downs Country Park during the night of 27th September you may have been in for a bit of surprise. Why? Well that was the day, or rather the night, of the Dark Downs Half Marathon. A run along a stunning route completely in the dark. If it sounds rather spooky it probably was. Anyway, if you were there you would have come across fellow member Marti Bauerrova.
Marti writes:
“What an incredible experience it was running through the night. The atmosphere, the challenge, and the views were unreal. I had such a fab time pushing myself and soaking up every moment. Already thinking about the next year one. “
Dorney Lake Marathon
You will probably remember having seen this location featured in Club News earlier this year. On that occasion it was Janie Perry taking an outing with her offspring. In September it was two members of Bolton Road Runners who took part the marathon at Dorney Lake, near Eton.
Well, the boys did the family proud, with Sam knocking it on the head in 3:18:44 and Steve in 3:33:19.
Great running gentlemen.
Berlin Marathon
Member Sam Attwood had already run the Boston and London marathons this year. Nevertheless, he headed to Berlin during last month to compete in the annual marathon that took place on the 25th September 2025.
To say he had an eventful weekend is a understatement as it included being evacuated on the first night he was there due a 100kg unexploded WWII bomb being discovered in the river outside my window, which meant sleeping on the floor in an evacuation for the rest of the night. Then the night before the marathon, I awoke to see his breakfast bagels moving across the bedroom floor by themselves...it was at this moment that he realised he was sleeping with rats! Despite this he turned in a very impressive 2:29:00. Oh, and he saw Harry Styles
Sam writes
" Not a PB but I think I have a fair few excuses to pick from in the circumstances!”
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