February 8th 2026

The latest fixture in the East Sussex Sunday Cross Country League took 292 runners to the challenging slopes of Whitbread Hollow near Beachy Head, where athletes from clubs across the county gathered to tackle one of the most demanding courses in the series.

The five-mile route is renowned for its relentless climb up towards Beachy Head before rewarding runners with a fast, flowing descent back into the Hollow.

Conditions were near perfect with just a slight breeze and mild temperatures for early February .

Hailsham Harriers were out in force, with a fantastic turnout of 24 runners, both juniors and seniors proudly sporting the club’s black and red colours 🖤❤️

From experienced cross-country regulars to those sampling the course for the first time, our Harriers showed great determination across the demanding terrain.

In the junior races Harrison ⭐️ finished 6th overall in a superb time of 8:37 for the Under 11 Boys, whilst Daisy 🌼 ran an impressive 11:18 in the Under 13 girls race and Amie 🌷 stormed round the course for the Under 14 girls to finish in 24:38 🙌 A trio of inspirational performances from our junior team showing the depth of talent coming through the ranks.

In the senior race and leading the Harriers home saw Alice 🐱 take pole position for the ladies 🥇 in a sensational 34:47 (50th), with Woolley 🧶 close behind and first male Harrier over the line in a speedy 35:33 (57th).  Sarah Day had a stormer of a run to finish 4th lady in 36:11 (62nd), with Maria Smith 💆🏼‍♀️ hot on her heels and 5th lady in 36:42 (68th), whilst Matt

Courtnell sprinted to the finish in an impressive 36:54 (71st) followed by Chris Little 🔥 38:12 (89th).

As the Harriers packed strongly through the field Tinks 🧚🏻 40:41 (131st), Graham Pu(uns) 😂 40:56 (133rd), Popey 🙏🏻 41:35 (140th), Charlie 👩🏻‍⚕️ 41:37 (141st), Fluffy 🐸 42:19 (149”8th), Robin 🏄🏼‍♂️ 42:24 (149th), Abi Morris 🌺 42:25 (150th) and Nicky 42:41 (155th) delivered solid performances on the tough course.

Ed 😈 43:57, Darren Grice 🏃🏻‍♀️ 44:36 (183rd), Ros Daintree 🌹 47:20 (216th), Steph 🧁 49:23 (227th), Victoria 👮🏻‍♀️ 49:24 (228th), and Ruffs 🪑 49:25 (230th), brought the Harriers team home with plenty of grit on display before enjoying the final sweeping downhill to the finish.

One of the highlights of the day was the brilliant Harriers turnout, with over twenty representing our club, a testament to the growing enthusiasm for cross country within the club whilst embracing the mud, hills and camaraderie that make the league such a special part of the winter racing calendar.

We continue to build momentum in the league standings – currently 6th overall but most importantly it was another fantastic morning of team spirit.

Big thanks go to Danny Garbett and his Run Wednesdays team 💖 for a wonderful morning.