March 2026 - Another Busy Month for the Crows
Brighton Half Marathon
On the 1st March a number of the Club's members took a trip to the seaside and took in many of the landmarks of Brighton in this year's half marathon. Not the best of weathers for doing so but as Sarah Cooper confirmed on the day, “it was a great race as always, but a bit wet and windy”. Despite the conditions, four of the Club’s members took part, with one, Naomi Noble, securing a PB for herself.
And for Sarah it was two half-marathons in two weeks. Great running Sarah and great running by all.
Hastings Half Marathon
Pre-dating the previous two events by some years, the Hastings Half Marathon is one of the longest-running and most distinctive half marathons in the UK, with the seed for a race being sown by the running boom that followed the launch of the London Marathon in 1981.
Now, if you fancy running it in future years you might like to know that part of its appeal comes from its challenging, by this they mean notoriously hilly, yet scenic course. So, if you fancy following in the footsteps of William the Conqueror then give it a go, which is what 5 of our Club members did.
Some great running yet again by Mark Redfern who came home in 1:28:13 and representing the ladies were Sarah Cooper (1:56:29), Lisa Herbert (2:21:02), Jayne Meyers (2:36:34) and Shirley Matthews (2:51:33)
Batter and Chatter Night
With the days getting longer and the nights getting shorter, and the time when the clocks go forward fast approaching, bringing with it the possibility of Wednesday runs off-road, what better excuse was there to have one more “batter and chatter” night at our favourite local chippy.
A regular for a number of years now in the Club’s social calendar, the last one of the season took place on 4th March 2026. As always, the prospect of a run and a catch-up over fish and chips afterwards was found to be tempting for many of our members and the event was as well attended as always.
Eastbourne Half Marathon
For Club Secretary, Bob Archer, it was a case of divided loyalties on 8th March 2026. Run with other Club members at Paddock Wood or go it alone and take a trip to Eastbourne. He chose the latter and ran what was for him the perfect race.
He writes:
"I'd chosen a “winter” half this year, having run the Big Half last year when I found there were far too many distractions during the summer months; far more options to choose from other than training runs.
For me the race this year turned out to be a “good day at the office”. The conditions were just right. The temperature was just right. There was only light breeze. I flt good all the way round and finished strong passing another old boy, who I had followed round the course, in the process.
Already planning my next one"
Paddock Wood Half Marathon
The Paddock Wood Half is known particularly for being flat and fast, making it especially appealing to runners aiming for personal bests, or using the race as preparation for larger events such as the London Marathon, which is why Club members Zach Drake and Jamie Gough who were in attendance. Also, amongst the 10 Club members on the start line was Peter Noon, who writes:
“I hadn't run a flat road half ever before, as I usually prefer trail runs, so I scored a PB for the distance at 1:29:28, making good use of one of the pacers for 90% of the course.
I would recommend that race to anyone, from someone who wants to do their first half marathon to someone pushing for a best. Well supported and a very manageable course”
Some great running by all with Dean Taylor leading the male Club members home on 1:25:32 and for the ladies a very creditable run by Eileen Welch who completed the course in 2:23:19.
Surrey Half Marathon
The Surrey half marathon that took place on 22nd March tempted two of the Club's members. What attracted them to take part could have been the fact that the course had been designed with simplicity in mind, making it fast and ideal for gaining yourself a PB. It’s also advertised as flat, but some would say not a flat as you might think and it's consistently been praised for being a smooth, professional, and well-managed race.
Finishing the course in some excellent times were Luke Forbes and Mike Woodrow, who knocked it off in 1:16:56 and 1:37:47 respectively.
ESSCCL Pett
The quiet of this quiet, scenic village was broken on the morning of 29th March 2026 by a horde of cross-country runners invading the village hall, our members amongst them for, by tradition almost, the location for last race in the ESSCCL season.
I kid you not, as runners approached the start line the air was filled with a toxic mixture of Voltarol and tension, emanating especially from the Club’s runners. Yes, miracles do happen, and I am sure that the 31 members attending kept reminding themselves of that fact as they made their way around the course, and that there was still a chance that the Club could still secure first place in the championship.
Sadly this was not to be. However, starting the day in 3rd place and walking away in 2nd place at the end of the season is no mean feat, and is testament to the huge effort put in by all that ran on behalf of the Club during the season. Another great season for the Crows with many of the members securing honours for themselves coming either 2nd or 3rd in their respective age categories.
Another great season also for our junior members.
Berlin Half Marathon
The Berlin Half Marathon is hailed as one of the best big-city half marathons in Europe — especially if you want a fast time and are looking for an electric atmosphere. The course is designed for speed and is often called the PB factory with it's wide roads, long straights and smooth tarmac. It's also been called a sightseeing tour of the city at race pace
This is what no doubt attracted Club members Tasha and Carl Tebbutt who ran the Berlin half marathon on 29th March 2026, with Tasha walking away with a new PB of 1:58:32.
Tasha writes:
“Thanks to Crowborough runners for helping us prepare for this half marathon!”
Lewes Easter 10k Trail Run
you are looking for a way to run off those hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, and some of our members obviously were, you need to try the Easter Monday Lewes 10k trail run. Multi-terrain and mainly traffic free, the course takes you along tracks to the south of Lewes, taking you beside the river Ouse and in the lee of the South Downs, and then it’s back to the Lewes AC running track from whence you started. It’s billed as a fun run, but some participants might not be quite so sure as to where the fun bit comes in. Nevertheless, 493 runners partook on what was a sunny morn, with five of the Club’s members amongst them, and doing the Club proud.
Completing the course in some great times were Ashley Box (0:53:25), Bryan Tapsell (0:56:21), John Crockford (0:57:40), Alistair Lee (0:59:19) and Sarah Cullen (1:1514).
Malaga Half Marathon
Club member John Crockford competed in this year's Malaga Half Marathon and reports
“I had the pleasure of having a long weekend in sunny Malaga, which by chance (at least that's what I told my wife Liz) included taking part in Malaga Half Marathon on Sunday 15 March. It's a very popular half marathon which attracted 12,000 and takes you supposedly around Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city. The race takes place through the city streets and along seafront with spectacular views of the ancient city on one side mixed with a view across to the Mediterranean Sea on the other.
It's a highly competitive half with the men's race winner finishing in 59:30 and the women's in 1:06:33. Unfortunately I couldn't quite keep pace with the leaders and finished in 2:16:28. Slower than I had hoped and what I thought I had finished in (chose not to look at my watch whole way round) but enjoyed it immensely all the same."
Great running nevertheless John.
