In Chichester on Sunday February 2nd Arthur Collins and Hailsham’s newest recruit, Neil Squires, zoomed around one of the oldest and fastest running events in the country. The Chichester 10K always attracts plenty of runners chasing personal best times with the start and finish held at the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit. Both Arthur and Neil crossed the finish line to ring the personal best bell. Arthur ran 48:44 whilst Neil finished in 49:08.
At Bedgebury Pinetum, also on Sunday 2nd February, six Harriers took part in the Bedgebury 5 and 10-mile race through the stunning forest setting. In the 5-mile distance Abi Morris ran 41:00 finishing 5th female overall, with Steph Bassett 41:02, placing first in age and Victoria Little 48:02. In the 10-mile distance Mark Bassett, first Harrier home, crossed the line in 1:21:33 with Jayne and Kevin Morris finishing with an impressive 1:54:24.
It was a night for celebrations on Saturday 8th February as twenty-seven Harriers joined local based charity, The Wolo Foundation at the View Hotel in Eastbourne to recognise the achievements of ninety-seven entrants who successfully completed ‘The Accumulator Challenge’. Beginning on January 1st entrants, either solo or in teams, chose to run, swim, cycle, walk, or row a kilometre extra every day, finishing on January 31st with 31 Kilometres. A total distance of 497km. Organised by Paul Henderson, Marcos Jarvis and local based charity, the Wolo Foundation, all funds raised through the challenge went towards supporting families affected by Cancer in Sussex.
Sunday 9th February saw Hailsham Harriers return to Goodwood Motor Circuit to take part in a Grand Prix running Festival. Runners could choose a variety of distances including an Ultra marathon, Marathon, 20-miles, Half Marathon, 10k or 5K. All races are run entirely around the historic motor circuit. Running for Hailsham in the Half Marathon saw David Woollard finish first in the V40 age category in a time of 1:24:42, Ladies Captain. Helen O’Sullivan ran 1:36:25 and Roberto Proietti finshed first in the V75 age category in a time of 3:04:09. In the 10K distance Gary Smith, returning from injury ran 55:07 whilst Jo Davis, running alongside her friend Tom Edwards, both finished in 1:08:33.
Alos on Sunday 9th February Sussex Athletics hosted the fourth and final race in the Saturday Cross Country league. This race, although originally due to take part in January, did not deter a big turnout of over 500 junior and senior runners. For Hailsham, Julie Chicken flew the club’s black and red colours as she took on the 5K undulating course through Stanmer Park in Brighton, finishing in 34:06. Julie has taken part in all four races held across the season and has been the only female Harrier to race both the Championships and Masters cross country events this year.
And finally, on Saturday 15th February at Plumpton racecourse, Hailsham’s Alice Denning took part in the rescheduled Sussex Downs Trail Run. With two routes to choose from, a half marathon and a 12.5km route, both events started and finished at Plumpton racecourse. With plenty of elevation and a route which covers parts of the South Downs Way, the scenic views delighted the senses as Alice, who took part in the trail based half marathon, crossed the finish line to take the first-place female podium position in a sensational time of 1:45:34.
Hailsham Harriers train on various nights throughout the week and welcome both junior and senior runners of all abilities. With a Couch To 5K program starting on Monday March 3rd, all information can be found on the website at hailsham-harriers.org.uk.
