Another Month of Making Memories
Lewes Downland 10-Miler
The Lewes 10-mile and 5-mile Downland Trail Runs took place on the first Sunday in October hosted by Lewes AC, and was the 10th race in the Sussex Grand Prix series.
It is said by many to be by far the most challenging, hilly, scenic race in the league. Nevertheless, up for the challenge and a bit of sightseeing for the Club were Peter Noon, who finished in 1:16:13 and Chris Russell, who completed the course in 1:24:24, securing 1st place in his age category.
Not exhausted by completing the course, Chris continued immediately to run from the finish line straight to the car park and away to France.
Well done guys.
Tonbridge Half-marathon and 10k
The Tonbridge Half and 10k took place on the 5th October. These races take you out into the picturesque Kent countryside, with the half-marathon, in particular, being a challenging course of ups and downs, with the hills being said by some to be ”relentless, but good fun nevertheless”.
On this day there were 5 members who completed the half-marathon with the male members being represented by Byron Thomas who came home in 1:44:26. For the ladies Janie Perry romped home in 1:45:32, Sarah Cooper in 1:56:26 and Lisa Herbert in 2:19:44.
In the 10k, coming 2nd overall and knocking out another PB of 0:36:35 was Will Isted.
Hastings Half-marathon
Also on the 5th October was the the 41st Hastings half-marathon, that finally went ahead after its short-notice cancellation earlier in the year.
As it turned out it was a glorious autumn day.
By the organisers’ admission, the course can be a bit of battle with some serious climbs that add 941 feet of elevation.
Amongst 2,250 runners completing the single lap course were 4 Crowborough Runners with the Club results being as follows:
|
Finishing Position |
Name |
Time |
|
78 |
Oliver Welch |
1:27:38 |
|
96 |
Ian Balmer |
1:29:10 |
|
529 |
John Everest |
1:49:44 |
|
1445 |
Paul Wells |
2:14:48 |
Black Cap Cross Country
Well, the eagerly awaited cross-country season had finally arrived.
Unlike the race last year, when there was still some snow around to add some excitement to the occasion, this year the running conditions were perfect as the 14 juniors and 40 seniors members of the Club, who had forgone a lay-in will testify.
Being mainly on chalk tracks there no sloshing through muddy pools, although some would argue “where’s the fun in that”.
There was some excellent running on the day with many of the Club's juniors securing 1st and 2nd places in their age category.
For the adults, the top three ladies on the day were:
- Heather Stevens (0:40:17)
- Olatz Ruiz-Smith (0:41:00)
- Christy Styles (0:42:01)
For the men:
- James Bryant (0:29:31)
- Colin Tricker (0:30:43)
- Jonathan Rafferty (0:31:05)
The Great South Run
Like all things, what is now the Great South Run started off as a local race. This was 35 years ago and it has grown in size from only a relatively few runners to this year’s 25,000 runners bright-eyed and bushy-tailed turning up on the starting line. With the cancellation of the event last year, due to horrendous gale force winds, the runners were mildly optimistic that perfect racing conditions would prevail on the day. However, nothing like last year admittedly, but what was an annoying drizzle just before the start turned into full-on rain for virtually the whole way round, but yet the inhabitants of the city still turned out in their thousands to provide some very welcome support the whole way round.
The scores on the doors for those that entered from the Club were:
- Tim Probert (1:13:25)
- Sally McCleverty (1:40:58)
- Bob Archer (1:53:34)
- Shirley Matthews (1:59:57)
Beachy Head Marathon
The marathon, which took place on the 25th October, was formerly known as the Seven Sisters Marathon, and is renowned for its picturesque views throughout the South Downs National Park and its terrain. From the start to finish there are over 300 steps to climb, 14 gates to manoeuvre and 1,318 feet off elevation to ascend, with terrain varying from forest trails, open farmland and cliff top walks.
On the start line this year were a quintet of Crowborough Runners, all of who turned in some very creditable performances, with Nick Harvey finishing 4th overall, having been in 3rd place for most of the race.
The full Club results were as follows:
- Nick Harvey (3:22:10)
- Dan Hare (3:52:29)
- Alistair Lee (5:03:33)
- John Everest (5:17:48)
- Alexander Gusak (5:51:09)
The Beachy Head Half-marathon
On Sunday 26th October, which was after the clocks had gone back and theoretically the runners could enjoy an additional hour in bed, was the no less gruelling half-marathon with the Club again being appropriately represented.
The Club results were as follows:
- Maurizio Di Santo (1:39:55)
- Marco Brivio (2:33:32)
- Lisa Herbert (2:41:27)
Halloween Run
Wednesday night the 29th October, although a little in advance of the actual All Hallows’ Eve, saw the streets of the town invaded by a whole host of ghosts and Ghoulies of the running persuasion and what a turnout there was. Yes, it certainly wasn’t a case of all made-up and nowhere to go, with imaginations having run wild. With not a hint of garlic in the air, the usually respectable Wednesday night runners were out to “put the frighteners on” the inhabitants of Crowborough and, as you can see, the runners certainly did that.
Such fun. With everyone having a great time in the process.
Athora Great Bruges Half Marathon
Bruges is mainly known for lace, beer and chocolate and funnily enough it was not the chocolate that persuaded our Chairman, Kevin Battell, to abandon these shores with Sharon Wheeler on 12th October 2025.
The Athora Great Bruges Half Marathon starts at t’Zand before taking runners through the cobbled streets of the historic city centre, with its many medieval buildings and along the banks of the Damme Canal, before finishing in the magnificent Market Square.
Not the most ideal of running surfaces for a good part of the way but great running nevertheless by Sharon and Kevin who completed the course in 2:25:50 and 2:42:24 respectively.
Bedgebury Half Marathon
As you will have already read, Crowborough Runners were out in force on 19th October 2025.
A race taking place a little closer to home on that day was the half-marathon in that jewel in the crown of Forest England, Bedgebury Pinetum. Held at the home of the national conifer collection, the course is known for his peaceful and serene atmosphere providing a relaxed and scenic running experience. This year, dodging amongst the 10,000 trees that are there and enjoying a bit of karma was our own Sarah Cooper who finished the course in 2:05:06.
Well done, Sarah.
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