Press Releases 2025

All Press Releases are by our PR Officer Ella Stanbrook unless otherwise stated. 

BHR Press Officer email address  - bhrpressrelease@gmail.com

20.07.2025

As temperatures rose, our runners kept themselves busy with races up and down the country, as well as further afield!

First, the latest WSFRL race, Trundle View, this time hosted by the Portslade Hedgehoppers. Joe Jervis finished first in 31:35. He was followed by Stephen Divers (37:29), Andy Sayers (39:05), Annette Maynard (39:28), Stuart Condie (44:06), Jill Bennett (46:07), Chris Page (46:43), John Palmer (47:14), Hugh Stevenage (50:11), and Jay Wadey (51:16). 

Keeping it local, in the Worthing 10k, Travis Golbey finished in 42:31, followed by Oliver Dewdney (44:30), Gayle Tyler (44:41), Alex Wintle (45:12), Susan Wintle (46:58), Matt Baty (54:32), Izzy Dewdney (54:37), Theresa Chalk (1:04:21), Melanie Aslin (1:09:24), and Antonia Boxall (1:10:14). And in the Wisborough 5k, Yasmine Allfrey and Rosanna Allfrey both finished in 33:30. 

In the 50km South Downs Way race, Ben Peters was first for BHR, and 6th overall, in 3:56:38. He was followed by Dylan Wallek (4:38:32), Phil Wallek (4:52:59), Kath Wallek (5:13:10), and  Rob Carr finished (7:49:50). And travelling further afield was Chris Maule, who took on the Cork Marathon, and finished in 2:46:53. In the Ultra Scotland 100, Rob Carr finished in 37:41:41. And travelling much further afield, was Tlou Mati, who took on the famous Comrades Ultra Marathon, a 55 mile race in South Africa. She finished this historic race in 11:43:40.

Elsewhere, in the LightLink, Oliver Dewdney finished in 50:10, followed by Simon Thompson (53:54), Izzy Dewdney (1:02:43), and Claire Giles (1:09:35). In the Wythall and Hollywood run, Gayle Tyler finished in 21:21. 

And last but not least, this month also saw the return of the South Downs Way Relay. The South Downs Way Relay is a 100 mile race along the South Downs Way, consisting of 18 stages, teams of 6 runners and a driver/team manager. This year, the start saw high winds and low visibility with a sea fret enveloping the tops of the Downs. Conditions meant that racing was suspended with all the runners sticking together for safety. Once down to the Birling Gap, the racing began in earnest. The weather soon cleared and the rest of the day was spend in hot, sunny and humid conditions. The BHR team, consisted of Phil McManus, Phil Payne, Chris Maule, Phil Wallek, Matthew Southam and Dylan Wallek, with Justin Blunt driving. They finished in 12:01:56, coming in 5th place overall. Congratulations to all the runners for putting in a great performance in challenging conditions. Special mention to the team driver and managers, Justin Blunt and to those who marshalled at the Shoreham change over point.

Photos: (BHR team at Trundle View), (BHR team at South Downs Way Relay), (Tlou at Comrades), (Izzy, Simon, Oliver and Claire at Lightlink)

Courtesy: (Stephen Divers), (Neil Phillpot), (Claire Giles), (Tlou Mati)

08.06.2025

At the start of May, we saw the return of an annual favourite for the club, the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend. This event sees runners able to run a 10 mile race on the Saturday in East Grinstead, 10 mile race on the Sunday in Haywards Heath, followed by a 10k race in Burgess Hill on the Monday. In the East Grinstead race, Ben Peters finished in 1:04:56, followed by Neil Phillpot (1:19:27), Tom Wheatley (1:21:06), Oliver Dewdney (1:24:36), Annette Maynard (1:26:48), Carlos Reyes (1:27:57), John Schofield (1:40:02), Thomas Peel-Yates (1:49:13), John Palmer (1:50:31), and Chris Page (2:21:12).

In the Haywards Heath race, Ben Peters finished in 58:55, followed by Tom Wheatley (1:10:08), Neil Phillpot (1:12:27), Carlos Reyes (1:19:48), Oliver Dewdney (1:21:01), Annette Maynard (1:22:25), Sam Chislett (1:29:23), John Schofield (1:31:33), Ella Chislett (1:32:19), Isobel Dewdney (1:32:58), and John Palmer (1:37:31). 

In the Burgess Hill 10k, Ben Peters finished in 39:02, followed by Travis Golbey (45:03), Mark Santer (46:55), Gayle Tyler (48:36), Neil Phillpot (49:23), Tom Wheatley (50:37), Carlos Reyes (51:40), Oliver Dewdney (52:07), Annette Maynard (53:20), Sam Chislett (55:13), John Schofield (59:32), Lucy Ward (1:00:34), Ella Chislett (1:02:25), John Palmer (1:02:27), and Helen Freeman (1:05:58).

We also came away from the weekend with a range of awards, including: First Women's Team and First Men's Team in the Burgess Hill 10k (Gayle Tyler, Annette Maynard and Lucy Ward; Ben Peters, Travis Golbey and Mark Santer), First Men's Marathon Team (Ben Peters, Neil Phillpot and Tom Wheatley), and overall weekend male winner, Ben Peters, with Annette Maynard coming 2nd place overall female.

There was not one, not two, but three West Sussex Fun Run League races this month. First, the post-poned Hangover 5. Oliver Day finished in 38:22, followed by Kirsty Philpott (40:46), Steve Barrett (41:01), Stephen Divers (42:16), Suse Potts (46:17), Stuart Condie (48:30), Jill Bennett (50:14), Hugh Stevenage (53:04), and Ruth Day (1:05:53). In the WSFRL Arunners Beach Run, Joe Jervis finished in 33:20, followed by Chris Alden (34:07), Andrew Bishop (38:32), Steve Barrett (38:30), Annette Maynard (39:14), Stephen Divers (39:44), Fred Sykes (40:46), Rebecca Norton (43:52), Alan Fry (43:29), Sam Chislett (45:01), Ella Chislett (45:39), John Palmer (45:54), Nigel Cruttenden (46:14), Chris Page (46:18), Hugh Stevenage (48:49), Clare Payne (50:14), Francis Madden (50:32), Mercy Madden (50:32), and Jane Owen (53:29). In the WSFRL Hedgehopper 5, Oliver Day finished in 35:21, followed by Travis Golbey (36:57), Neil Philpott (40:05), Steve Barrett (41:41), Stephen Divers (42:23), Annette Maynard (43:07), Phil Wallek (45:48), Kath Wallek (46:46), Stuart Condie (47:41), Richard Light (48:42), Loretta Gendle (48:51), Richard Gendle (50:06), Chris Page (50:32), Hugh Stevenage (54:22), John Palmer (56:17), Jem Willett (58:02), Theresa Chalk (1:02:52), and Ruth Day (1:06:06). 

We also had a group take part in the annual Green Belt Relay, a popular event in the BHR calendar. The Green Belt Relay is a 22-stage 220 mile running relay around the outside of London, organised by The Stragglers running club. Once again BHR entered three teams of 11 captained by returning champion Phil Latham, Sarah Thompson and Jill Bennett. While BHR don't tend to compete for the top spots, many runners broke BHR course records, and for the second time in BHR history we had a stage win by Jonnie Neville. 

Near the end of the month, a group of runners travelled across the Channel for a weekend away to Abbeville, one of Burgess Hill's twin towns. As part of the weekend, the group relayed their way from Dieppe, where the ferry stops, to Abbeville, with each runner taking on about 5km at a time. They also then took part in a 5k race the town was putting on called ‘Mémorial Bruno Willecoq’, where they were welcomed by the Mayor of Abbeville. The group, which also included Burgess Hill Town Mayor Stuart Condie, were presented with a large cup, for sending the group of runners. In the race, Richard Light finished first for BHR in 25:07. He was followed by Stuart Condie (25:19), followed by John Schofield (25:23), Loretta Gendle (26:38), Richard Gendle (27:17), Theresa Chalk (30:34), Kim Gow (32:10), Viv Smith (32:57), Helen Pratt (33:25), and Diane Delderfield (35:01).

Elsewhere, in the Worthing Half, Emma Watson finished in 2:01:34, followed by Stuart Turner (2:11:07). In the Worthing 10k, Marie Carey finished in 56:53, followed by John Carey (1:04:13) and Melanie Aslin (1:09:46). In the Bristol Half, Fred Sykes finished in 1:49:25.

In the Lindfield 10k, Oliver Dewdney finished in 53:22, followed by Charlie Poutney (53:24), Chris Page (1:08:22), Tshepo Mati (1:09:38), Sheryl Caldecourt (1:10:32), Martin Skeats (1:18:01), Hugh Stevenage (1:18:44), and Dawn Fahy (1:38:19). In the 5k, Emma Watson finished in 33:28. In the Horsham 10k, Gayle Tyler finished in 46:39 (and first in her age category), followed by Emma Watson (59:50).

Photos: (BHR team at Abbeville 5k), (BHR team at WSFRL Arunners Beach run), (BHR team at Green Belt Relay)

Courtesy: (Keith Delderfield), (Stephen Divers), (Jay Wadey)

12.05.2025

The Easter weekend saw a whole host of races. Starting with the annual Sussex Road Relays, a relay race seeing each runner run 2 miles around Preston Park before handing over the baton to their running mate. In the F50 category were: Kath Wallek (13:42), Annette Maynard (14:48) and Gayle Tyler (13:47). They also won 2 silver medals! We had a grand total of three teams in the F60 category. Team A were: Karen Willett (18:22), Jean Leak (17:26) and Nicky Callus (16:49). Team B were: Kim Gow (19:01), Sheryl Caldecourt (17:06) and Antonia Boxall (16:46). And Team C were: Jacqui Sims (22:46), Diane Delderfield (21:01) and Lorraine Hewitt (20:51). We fielded three teams in the male category, two in the M50 category, starting with Team A: Paul Prosser (13:52), Andy Sayers (14:34) and Andrew Bishop (13:25). Team B were: Rob Carr (14:43), John Palmer (16:08) and Stuart Turner (16:15). And in the M60 category: Fred Sykes (13:40), Oliver Day (12:43), and Richard Light (15:31)

In the WSFRL Lewes 10k, Ben Peters finished in 37:52, followed by Tom Wheatley (42:50), Oliver Day (43:23), Travis Golbey (45:35), Paul Prosser (46:47), Gayle Tyler (47:38), Oliver Dewdney (47:41), Steven Barrett (49:08), Carlos Reyes (49:14), Andrew Bishop (49:47), Sharona Harrington (50:24), Andy Sayers (50:52), Annette Maynard (50:57), Stephen Divers (51:16), Jack Maynard (52:34), Robert Carr (53:24), John Schofield (57:25), John Palmer (58:05), Nicky Callus (58:17), Loretta Gendle (59:34), Andy Starling (59:40), Antonia Boxall (59:41), Chris Page (11:46), Sheryl Caldecourt (1:00:23), Sophie Abbott (1:00:50), Ella Chislett (1:01:33), Richard Gendle (1:02:29), Jill Bennett (1:02:49), Sam Chislett (1:02:56), Izzy Dewdney (1:05:17), Stuart Turner (1:06:04), Theresa Chalk (1:06:35), Helen Freeman (1:07:00), Bill Whitehead (1:07:13), Hugh Stevenage (1:07:22), Kim Gow (1:08:35), George Wotton (1:12:36), Karen Sargent (1:14:07), and Ruth Day (1:16:19).

In the London Marathon, Chris Maule finished in 2:53:45, followed by Mark Nicholls (3:00:05), Chris Alden (3:19:49), Susan Wintle (3:42:01), Sam Mayes (3:53:45), Gary Parr (4:34:04), Hazel Fordham (5:14:16), Claire Payne (5:27:10), and Sarah Parr (5:43:57). And on the same weekend was the Manchester Marathon, Mark Santer finished in 3:23:42, followed by Tom Wheatley in 3:27:17. Over in Belgium the European Running Champions took place which included a marathon that started in Brussels and ended in Leuven. Annette Maynard finished in 3:53:45, followed by John Palmer in 5:17:41. And likewise in the US, where Andy Biggs finished the Boston Marathon in 3:38:23.

In the Bluebell 10 Miles, Rob Shalloe finished in 1:11:07, followed by Neil Phillpot (1:13:27) and Kevin Cross (1:17:34). And in the 10k, Yasmine Allfrey finished in 48:33, followed by Antonia Boxall (56:56) and Chris Page (57:07). In the Seaford Half Marathon, Ben Peters finished second overall in 1:23:41. He was followed by Travis Golbey (1:40:12), Carlos Reyes (1:49:23), and Emma Buckland (2:17:07). And last but not least, in the South Downs Way 50, Mark Nicholls finished in 9:19:03, followed by Daniel Belton in 11:18:42.

Photos: (BHR team at WSFRL Lewes 10k), (Mark and Tom at Manchester Marathon), (Female team at Sussex Road Relays), (Male team at Sussex Road Relays)

Courtesy: (Stephen Divers), (Mark Santer), (John Palmer), (John Palmer)

13.04.2025

As the sun continued to shine over the course of March, our members took part in a range of races up, down and outside of the country (and outside of!). 

First up, one of the biggest local races and always a popular one with the club, the Brighton Marathon: First for BHR was Ben Peters in a time of 2:45:37, who also came 19th overall. He was followed by Dylan Wallek (2:53:40), Phil Wallek (2:56:12), Oliver Day (3:25:13), Kath Wallek (3:28:20), Yasmine Allfrey (4:00:05), Isobel Newman (3:48:01), Claire Giles (4:47:28), and Tlou Mati (5:03:55).

Continuing on the theme of marathons, next up, the Moyleman Marathon: First was Mark Nicholls in a time of 3:31:26. He was followed by Nicky Callus (5:21:49), Jill Bennett (5:43:13), and Emma Buckland (5:43:15). Dan Belton finished the Cambridge Boundary Marathon in 4:07:24. Claire Giles travelled to Rome for the Rome Marathon, and finished in a time of 4:52:43. Briege Turner completed the Tokyo Marathon, in a time of 5:03:19. And also travelling abroad was Rob Carr, who completed the Vienna Marathon in 4:17:46.

Stepping up into ultras, Rob Carr completed the Centurion Hundred Hills 50k in a 7:34:06. Mark Nicholls completed the Sheeps Head Ultra in 9:17:39. And Dan Belton finished the Lea Valley 50k in 4:58:25.

In the month's half marathons, Andy Biggs finished the Bideford Half Marathon in 1:29:38, Steve Barrett the Paddock Wood Half Marathon in 2:04:06, Neil Philpott the Malaga Half Marathon in 1:32:03. And Andrew Bishop completed the Bath Half in 1:39:42, as well as the Vienna Half Marathon in 1:56:30.

In another local favourite, Jamie Goodhead and Mark Nicholls ran the Steyning Stinger Marathon, both finishing in 4:19:42. And in the 30k race, Phil Wallek finished in 3:21:58, followed by Chris Alden (3:41:28), and Kath Wallek (3:49:14).

Elsewhere, in a less common distance, some members took part in a couple of 20 mile races. In the Lydd 20 Mile, first was Annette Maynard in a time of 2:46:10, followed by John Palmer in 3:42:01. And in the Thames Riverside 20, Mark Santer finished in 2:28:05, followed by Carlos Reyes (2:48:44).

Antonia Boxall was first in the Brighton 10k in a time of 54:36. She was followed by Sheryl Caldecourt (54:37), Leanne Cleaveley (56:09), Russell Taylor (1:12:22), Kay Smith (1:14:04), Nina Ecroyd (1:20:11). And further afield, in the Paphos 10k Antonia Boxall was first up in a time of 59:44, followed by Theresa Chalk (1:03:20), and Lorraine Hewitt (1:15:24).

And last but not least, in the Balcombe Bull Run, Ben Peters was first for BHR in 28:17. He was followed by Charles Ball (38:52), Nicky Callus (42:50), Stuart Condie (43:01), Ella Chislett (46:25) and Kim Gow (55:59).

Photos: (Mark and Carlos, Thames Riverside 20), (Rob Carr, Vienna Marathon), (Oliver, Brighton Marathon), (Claire Giles, Rome Marathon)

Courtesy: (Mark Santer), (Rob Carr), (John Palmer), (Claire Giles)

09.03.2025

It's been a bumper month for BHR, with races and PBs galore.

First and foremost, the return of one of the most popular events in the BHR calendar, the Brighton Half. The BHR army was out in force on this sunny Sunday in March, both running and spectating. First to cross the finish line was Ben Peters, who finished in 1:15:51. He was followed by Jon Boxall (1:18:26), Dylan Wallek (1:20:50), Sam Mayes (1:22:35, PB), Phil Wallek (1:22:45), Richard Jerome (1:27:15, PB), Chris Alden (1:27:38), Jamie Goodhead (1:29:31), Thomas Wheatley (1:33:04), Kath Wallek (1:37:03, PB), Andrew Bishop (1:41:33), Christie Matthews (1:43:40), Charlie Pountney (1:44:18), Susan Wintle (1:46:22), Fred Sykes (1:47:36), Mark Nicholls (1:48:54), Hannah Goodhead (1:49:36), Gary Parr (1:53:42), Emma Goodhead (1:56:16), Lucy Ward (2:01:33), Ella Chislett (2:08:57), Sam Chislett (2:08:57), Richard Gendle (2:09:06, PB), Sarah Parr (2:10:56, PB), Laura Walton (2:09:39), Antonia Boxall (2:11:13, PB), Katie Howes (2:34:42, PB), Wendy White (2:48:31), and James White (3:03:58).

February saw the first WSFRL of the year, the Crawley Run Craw Run Your Heart Out 5 mile race. First up was Kirsty Phillpot, who finished in 36:06. She was followed by Neil Phillpot (39:18), Steven Barrett (39:35), Annette Maynard (40:54), Stephen Divers (42:51), Tshepo Mati (46:26), Nicky Callus (47:01), Jill Bennett (47:04), John Schofield (47:16), Stuart Turner (47:40), Loretta Gendle (48:44), Antonia Boxall (49:06), John Palmer (49:14), Richard Gendle (49:15), Bill Whitehead (50:14), Chris Page (50:50), Tlou Mati (54:30), Theresa Chalk (55:01), Hugh Stevenage (56:25), Kim Gow (58:01), and Viv Smith (1:00:13).

It may have been the first WSFRL event, but February also saw the last of the Cross County events of the season, this time hosted at Stamner Park. In the womens race, Kath Wallek, finished first in 27:50. She was followed by Annette Maynard (28:37), Cath Beckett (29:10), Jill Bennett (30:52), Nicky Callus (32:35), and Theresa Chalk (38:55). In the mens race, Phil Wallek finished first in 40:53. He was followed by Steven Barrett (45:06), Andrew Sayers (47:13), James Hedley (47:19), Jack Maynard (49:44), Stuart Condie (51:31), and John Palmer (61:43).

Elsewhere, Ruth and Oliver Day completed the Punchbowl Marathon, a 30 mile route along bridleways and footpaths in Surrey. They finished together in 9 hours 59. Ben Ayling travelled to Malta to complete the Malta Half Marathon in 1:43:09. Daniel Belton completed the Baldock Beast Half Marathon in 1:47:28. And Yasmine Allfrey and Kevin Cross completed the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon 1:48:31 and 1:48:23 respectively.

Photos: (Sam Mayes, Brighton Half), (BHR team at WSFRL), (Theresa, Nicky, Jill, Annette, Kath, Cath, XC)

Courtesy: (John Palmer), (Jill Bennett), (John Palmer)

03.02.2025

As we moved into February, our runners continued the year busy with races.

First up, Nicky Callus took part in the Pilgrim Challenge Multi-Day Ultra. This challenging event sees runners and walkers take on a one day (33 mile) or two day (66 mile) ultra marathon over the North Downs Way. Nicky Chose the two-day challenge, finising day 1 in 7:55:31, and day 2 in 8:36:09.

Elsewhere, Ben Peters finished the Chichister 10k in 34:58. Simon and Sarah Thompson also took part, finishing in 1:05:21. Kevin Cross and Yasmine Allfrey finished the Bedgebury 10 Mile in 1:25:52 and 1:25:55. 

And we even fit in a few marathons - Mark Nicholls and Jamie Goodhead completed the new 4 Piers Marathon, from Bognor to Brighton via the English Coastal path. Mark finished in 3:52:52 and Jamie in 4:02:04. Going further afield, Rob Carr completed the Miami Marathon in 4:32:28.

Photos: (Rob Carr at Miami Marathon & Nicky Callus at Pilgrim Challenge)

Courtesy: (Rob Carr & Nicky Callus)

19.01.2025

It's been a busy start to the year for Burgess Hill Runners. First, we saw the return of a popular event for the club, the LDWA Winter Tanners 20 and 30. This challenge is not for the faint hearted, with the options of a 20 mile or 30 mile walk or run, along cross country footpaths and bridleways. Map reading skills are required! In the 20 mile route, Jill Bennett and Stephen Divers finished first for BHR in  4:54. They were followed by Karen Harvey, Nicola Dawson and Stephanie Harding who all finished in 7:18. In the 30 mile route, Nicky Callus finished first for BHR in 7:08. She was followed by Daniel Belton and John Palmer who finished in 9:34.

Staying local, some of our members took part in a new race for the area, the BrighTen, a 10 mile race along the Brighton seafront. Neil Phillpot was first for BHR in 1:08:45. He was followed by Kirsty Phillpot (1:10:17), Annette Maynard (1:22:03), and Luke McMahon (1:31:17)

A group travelled over to Newhaven to take part in the costal Newhaven 10k. Karen Willett was first for BHR in 1:01:26. She was followed by Antonia Boxall (1:02:01), Theresa Chalk (1:03:43) and Karen Sargent (1:08:19). And Ruth Day completed the Romsey 5 mile in 56:49.

Photos: (Karen S, Karen W, Antonia, Theresa - Newhaven 10k)

Courtesy: (Theresa Chalk)

12.01.2025

Some of our runners managed to squeeze in a few more runs either side of the New Year's Eve fireworks, starting with Jamie Goodhead who snuck in the Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon just before Christmas. Described as a "festive flat and multi terrain out and back route", Jamie finished in 3:48:38.

Elsewhere, a group travelled to Shoreham for the annual Darklink 10k, a popular headtorch run "in the weird bit between Christmas and New Year". The route takes runners North up the Downslink, over the Southdowns way bridge towards Bramber and back. Oliver Dewdney was first across the line for BHR in 47:41. He was followed by Jamie and Sam Goodhead (51:43), Isabel Dewdney (56:33), Stephen Divers (59:49), Jill Bennett (59:51), Chris Page (1:00:56) and Claire Giles (1:05:51). 

And finally, Jamie Goodhead and Mark Nicholls started the New Year with a bang, completing the Country to Capital Ultra, a 43 mile point to point race, in 7:14:54 and 6:11:54 respectively.