Runners from across Sussex gathered on Sunday 28 September for our annual Hellingly 10K, timed via Sports Systems.

The event, now proudly in its 38th year has become a firm fixture on the local road racing calendar, showcasing both competitive racing at the front and enthusiastic participation throughout the field, whilst combing strong community spirit.  We were both proud to host and compete 🙌

With the race forming part of the Sussex Grand Prix series, there was a strong turnout from across the county, but our black and red vests were especially prominent 🖤♥️

The route tackles a scenic but undulating country-road course around the lanes of Hellingly, with early downhill sections, and a testing climb in the closing kilometres. Conditions were cool and dry, ideal for racing which made for plenty favourable times.

The race was led out briskly from the start on Station Road, Hellingly, with the opening downhill stretch lulling a few into a pace they might later regret!  Once into the winding lanes, the support from our Harriers marshals, volunteers and local residents at key junctions and along the route, gave runners a welcome lift whilst keeping them safe on open roads.  With the finish line at Roebuck Park Cricket 🏏 Pavilion, runners were treated to one last testing little kicker in the final metres.

Our athletes produced plenty of standout performances on home turf with Chris Doherty 🚀 first Harrier home, finishing with a course personal best and placing fourth overall in 35:50, DG 🛁 raced to a new 10K PB in 39:48, with team mate and friend Alice 🐈 also finishing with a new PB placing 2nd female 🥈.  Claire Keith 🍒, just seconds behind Alice, also finished with a new 10K PB placing third 🥉 female overall in 40:52, whilst Gary Crossan 🏃🏽 42:50 finished just 3 seconds within his lifetime PB, followed by Gary Woolven 🍞 in 43:03.

Audrey 💊 had a blinder#, racing to a new 10K PB finishing in 43:54, followed by Woolley 🧶 43:57, Club Vice Chair; Tom Price 🎨 44:33, and Popey 🙏🏻 44:53 all running course PB’s.  Maria Smith 💆🏼‍♀️ 44:51 and team mate Ryan 🪴 44:51 enjoyed a steady run ahead of the Chester marathon last weekend (October 5th), they were closely followed by Vinny💂🏻‍♀️ running a 10K PB in 45:17, and Tinks 🧚🏻 45:21.

Bilts 🚒 46:52 ran an impressive time after completing the Dark Downs 50K trail race just hours before.  Dan Harris ⭐️ 46:58 and Graham Pundye 😂 47:31 was followed by Jo McGowan 🌺 47:37 and Abi Morris 🌹 48:55 both running course PB’s.  Fluffy 🐸 49:00, Jamie Yates 🙌 49:00, Claire Shilling 🪙 49:04, Belinda Cramp 🌷 49:23 and Darren Grice 🏃🏽 49:23 worked together as a team in the final kilometres to finish strong with Gemma 💎 50:40, Big Si 🥊 50:47 and Tracy 🐶 50:57, rapidly closing the gap.

Neil 🛗 52:36 raced to a course PB with Lee Williams 🪵 53:55, Andy Moore 🏃🏻‍♂️ 55:16, Shaun Webster 🐘 55:42, Victoria 👮🏻 55:44, Kevin Morris 💪🏼 57:17, Lady Frances Delves 👸🏼 58:25, Ros Daintree 🌸 1:00:07, Claire Hope 🐻 1:02:58, Lisa PH 🧡 1:03:05 and Lindie 💕 1:03:12 – runninf her debut race for the Harriers.

Cathy 🥿 1:03:40 paved the way for Abby Vickers 👩‍🏫 1:04:09, one of our newest recruits also running her debut race for us and her first 10K 🤩, whilst Sandra 🐕‍🦺 1:05:22, The Ledge 🖤♥️ Pete Daws 1:06:59 and Nicola Sexton 🫶🏻 1:08:38 finished all smiles, with Nicola running a new 10K PB.

Els 🐐 1:20:59, Roberto 🇮🇹 1:22:25 and Lord Norman Harris 🤴🏻 1:36:27 completed the mighty 47 strong Harriers team with Jayne 🦸🏻‍♀️ 1:36: 28, and Julie LC 🐝:36:28 – our tail runners for the event.

Congratulations to our mighty ladies: Alice🐈 , Claire Keith 🍒, Audrey 💊 , Tinks 🧚🏻 and Lady Delves 👸🏼 who were awarded first place in their respective age categories 🏆

In the men’s race Ollie Sprague (Peacehaven Run Club) 💚 🤍 took the win 🏆 in 34:13 with Paddy Lamb close behind 🥈 in 34:35. The bronze spot 🥉 went to Louis Dragan (Hastings Runners) in 35:18.

On the women’s side, Eva Winton (Peacehaven Run Club) claimed first place 🥇 in 40:15. Second was our Alice 🥈 40:44 and our Claire Keith 🍒 rounded out the podium with 40:52.

A special mention must go to the post-race spread, the home-baked cakes laid on by our team of bakers 🎂 almost stole the show, with runners lingering long after the finish, swapping stories, nursing well-earned cups of tea and celebrating a special birthday for Ron Van Heuvelen 🇳🇱 of Seaford Striders 🧡

From our amazing race organiser; Nemo 🐠 …..“We were delighted to see our biggest ever turnout this year. The support from volunteers and our local community are what makes this event so special.  Congratulations to everyone who took part and a big thank you to our sponsors; Jason Kearns Plumbing and Heating 🔥 , Belles Coffee ☕️, Brewers Decorators Centres 🎨, Asda Eastbourne 💚 and Hastings Direct 🚘.  Also, thanks to Nathan Horton photography 📸, Crafty Collections of Seaford who designed our sustainable medals 🏅 and trophies 🏆 and to all our local Hellingly residents for their support, patience and encouragement 🖤♥️

Our club Chair, Ruffs, had this to say ‘It’s always a tough course, but the atmosphere and support make a real difference.  The Hellingly 10K continues to exemplify what local races do best; delivering both serious competition and warm community spirit.  Our club spirit and volunteer support are the backbone of this event.  Every member, whether that be junior or senior, has had a part to play and I am extremely proud”.

All in all, our Hellingly 10K once again has proved why it’s such a favourite. A proper community race with a testing route, brilliant organisation, and a warm welcome. Congratulations to everyone who took part, whether chasing times, soaking up the atmosphere, or just ticking off another tough 10K.

See you all next year 🖤♥️