Press Releases 2026

All Press Releases are by our PR Officer Sarah Parr unless otherwise stated. 

BHR Press Officer email address  - bhrpressrelease@gmail.com

04.08.2026

July was another active month for Burgess Hill Runners, with members taking on summer races across Sussex — from village classics and multi‑terrain league fixtures to scenic 10km routes. 

The month opened on 1 July at the Roundhill Romp, a popular multi‑terrain race featuring woodland tracks and open fields. Stephen Divers finished in (53:48), followed by Selina Anderson (53:57), Phil Latham (54:02), Stuart Condie (54:49), Fran Ruocco (56:25), Richard Gendle (58:44), Jill Bennett (59:55), followed by Loreatta Gendle (1:00:42) and Hugh Stevenage (1:10:59).

On 4 July, runners headed to the St Lawrence Fair, a long‑standing village event with a friendly atmosphere and challenging undulations. Kath Wallek finished as first woman in (48:31), followed by a strong run from Annette Maynard for second woman in (49:43). Andrew Bishop finished in (50:17), followed by Stuart Condie (59:51) and Kim Gow (1:30:37).

The following day saw club representation at the Bewl Sussex Grand Prix 5‑mile event. Matthew Hedley completed the course in (51:16), with Lae Yee Mon finishing in (54:55).

On 12 July, runners took on the WSFRL Hove Stinger, a challenging multi‑terrain course with climbs, open fields and uneven paths. Travis Golbey finished in (47:02), followed by Alexander Waterfield (54:18), Annette Maynard (56:31), Andrew Bishop (58:28), Selina Anderson (1:00:44), Stephen Divers (1:01:53), Steve Barrett (1:02:49), followed by Rainer Hirt (1:06:21), Sarah Parr (1:10:17), John Palmer (1:13:44) and Hugh Stevenage (1:27:24).

A week later on 19 July, Burgess Hill Runners took on the WSFRL Seven Stiles, a fast and scenic route through fields and footpaths. Travis Golbey finished in (27:15), followed by Oliver Day (27:53), David Nibloe (28:51), Oliver Dewdney (31:06), Andrew Bishop (31:35), Stephen Divers (32:33), Selina Anderson completed the race in (33:06), followed by Steve Barrett (33:18), Fran Ruocco (35:11), Stuart Condie (36:03), Rainer Hirt (36:56), Antonia Boxall (40:13), Eileen Bristow (46:30) and Kay Smith (51:38).

The month concluded on 26 July at the Will Page Newick 10km. Ian Jones finished in (47:09), followed by Annette Maynard (48:44) and Gary Parr (49:52), Kevin Cross (50:50), followed by Selina Anderson finishing in (53:09) and Sarah Parr in (1:01:54).

Photos: WSFRL Seven Stiles, Will Page 10km, St Lawrence Fair. 

Courtesy: Stephen Divers, John Palmer

01.07.2026

June was another busy month of events across Sussex and beyond, taking on coastal routes, downland trails and classic road events, with several runners achieving new personal milestones and standout results.

The month opened with the Worthing 10km, Phillip Wallek finished in (42:08), followed by Oliver Dewdney (45:49), Matt Baty (55:56), Sam Chislett (56:13), Hazel Fordham (1:01:12), and a new personal best for Laura Walton (56:16), Hugh Stevenage (1:04:13), Ashley Angus (1:03:41), Katie Howes (1:08:28), Ella Chislett (1:08:32), Fiona Leen (1:13:30) and David Leen (1:13:31).

Another achievement followed at the Needles Half Marathon on the Isle of Wight, a famously scenic but challenging route featuring chalk cliffs, coastal paths and rolling hills.Annette Maynard finished in (1:57:47), placing first in the women’s veteran category. John Palmer completing the course in (2:38:34).

Elsewhere, the Ardingly Ladybird Run saw Carlos Reynes take on the multi‑terrain course around the reservoir, finishing in (2:33:10). In the same weekend at the Weald Half Marathon, known for its rural lanes and undulating countryside, John Poustie completed the race in (2:10:54).

Chris Alden, who tackled the Centurion SDW100, a 100‑mile ultramarathon along the length of the South Downs Way. With relentless climbs, exposed ridgelines and overnight running, it is one of the toughest events on the calendar. Chris completed the full distance in an outstanding (28:30:27), a huge achievement.

At the Phoenix Sunflower Half Marathon, a friendly and scenic event along the riverside trails, Nicola Saunders finished in (3:14:35).

The club also represented at the WSFRL Beach Run in Littlehampton, arriving “like an album cover” and enjoying a flat coastal route with mixed sand and promenade sections. Joe Jervis finished in (32:15), followed by Fred Sykes (37:20), Andrew Bishop (39:28), Selina Anderson (41:47), Stephen Divers (42:33), Robert Car (43:22), Fran Ruocco (43:23), Phil Latham (44:37), Jill Bennett (45:35), John Palmer (46:17), Matt Baty (47:38), Antonio Boxall (48:52), Hugh Stevenage (49:59) and Chris Page (51:40).

Photos: (WSFRL Beach Run), (Chris Alden, SDW100 Centruion) and (Annette Maynard and John Palmer at Needles Half Marathon) 

Courtesy: (Jill Bennett), (Chris Alden) and (John Palmer)

08.06.2026

May was another busy month for our Runners taking part in 14 events across Sussex, Surrey, London, Europe and beyond. The month began with the Three Forts Challenge, where three members completing the demanding course. Mark Nicholls finished in (4:33:13), followed by Carlos Reyes (4:52:01) and Rob Carr (6:23:38).

At the start of May, the club saw the return of an annual favourite, the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend. This three‑day event offers runners the opportunity to complete a 10‑mile race in East Grinstead on the Saturday, a 10‑mile race in Haywards Heath on the Sunday, and a 10km race in Burgess Hill on the Monday. Burgess Hill Runners had a strong turnout across all stages. In the East Grinstead 10 Mile race,  Annette Maynard finished in (1:26:14), followed by Shane Linehan (1:28:18), Isobel Dewdney (1:43:57), Hugh Stevenage (1:50:42), John Palmer (1:54:12) and Lae Mon (1:59:17). In Haywards Heath 10 Mile race, Oliver Day finished in (1:08:19), followed by Neil Phillpott (1:10:45), Annette Maynard (1:22:02), Steven Barrett (1:33:56) and Antonia Boxall (1:46:38). The final stage of the weekend was the Burgess Hill 10km, where Oliver Dewdney completed the course in (49:39), followed by Annette Maynard (53:54), Andrew Bishop (54:40), Isobel Dewdney (1:01:26), Lyndsay Taggart (1:09:48) and Sue Savage (1:19:24). Both Annette Maynard (3:41:50) and Isobel Dewdney (4:21:43) completed all three races of the Mid Sussex Marathon weekend.

Run Gatwick Half Marathon and 5km also featured on the May calendar, with members taking part across both distances. In the Half Marathon, Mark Santer finished in (1:32:15), followed by Kevin Cross (1:36:39) who achieved a personal best. followed by Lee Crow (1:45:20), Gary Parr (1:50:38), Selina Anderson (1:53:07) and Sarah Parr (2:06:58). In the Gatwick 5km, Caroline Santer completed in (38:52).

The club was also represented at Worthing, where members took part in both the 10km and Half Marathon events. In the Worthing 10km, Travis Golbey finished in (43:28), followed by Chris Page (1:01:18) and Melanie Ashlin (1:14:21). In the Worthing Half Marathon, Sam Mayes completed the course in (1:28:43), followed by Tom Wheatley (1:36:54), Alan Fry (2:03:10) and Hugh Stevenage (2:22:03).

Members also took part in two local 10km events during May. At the Horsham 10km, Oliver Day finished in (40:30), followed by Ruth Day (1:11:39). At the Lindfield 10km, Oliver Dewdney finished in  (56:12), followed by Shane Linehan in (59:34).

The club was represented at two West Sussex Fun Run League events during May.

At the Portslade Hedgehooper, David Nibloe finished in (36:35), followed byTravis Golbey (37:01), Robert Carr (43:44), Steve Barrett (45:04), Gary Chow (45:24), Stuart Condie (46:33), Fran Ruocco (47:11), Hugh Stevenage (52:31), Eileen Bristow (1:01:41), Theresa Chalk (1:09:15) and Kay Smith (1:09:18).

Later in the month at the next West Sussex Fun Run League event the Trundle View Run, Oliver Day finished in (32:10), followed by Andrew Bishop (43:43), Steve Barrett (45:26), Fran Ruocco (46:13), Alan Fry (47:08), Jill Bennett (48:16), Hugh Stevenage (53:55), Karen Harvey (54:57), Theresa Chalk (59:42), Ruth Day (59:47) and Eileen Bristow (1:01:05).

We also had, three teams of 11, captained by Nigel Cruttenden, Phil Latham, Sarah Thompson take part in the annual Green Belt Relay, a popular event in the calendar. The relay covers 22 stages and 220 miles around the outside of London, organised by The Stragglers Running Club. Although BHR do not typically compete for top positions, for the Third time in club history, the team celebrated a stage win thanks to Jonnie Neville.

Elsewhere, Rob Carr travelled to Luxembourg to take part in the ING Night Marathon, completing the course in (4:19:21), and later in the month completed the Stockholm Marathon in (4:34:29).

Photos: (BHR team at WSFRL Trundle view), (BHR Runners at Gatwick Half and 5km), (BHR Team photo at Green Belt Relay) and (Rob Carr at Stockholm Marathon)

Courtesy: (Stephen Divers), (Sarah Parr) , (Jill Bennett), and (Rob Carr)

13.05.2026

April was another busy month of races for Burgess Hill Runners, with members taking part in events across Sussex, London and beyond. 

The month began with strong representation at the WSFRL Lewes 10km over the Easter Weekend, where a fantastic turnout helped move the club up to 8th overall in the league. Oliver Day Finished in (42:17), followed by Annette Maynard (52:11), Robert Carr (53:02), Simon Thompson (53:16), Steve Barrett (55:12), Alan Fry (57:44), Richard Light (58:08), Stephen Divers (59:00), Nicky Callus (59:54), Chris Page (1:00:03), Loretta Gendle (1:01:22), Sheryl Caldecourt (1:02:26), Jill Bennett (1:02:51), Richard Gendle (1:02:55), Andy Starling (1:03:03), John Palmer (1:05:30), Sam Chislett (1:09:17), Ella Chislett (1:09:24), Theresa Chalk (1:12:06), Eileen Bristow (1:12:16) and Ruth Day (1:17:54). 

April Marathons began with Brighton Marathon, where Dylan Wallek finished (2:42:08), followed by Neil Phillpot (3:17:11), Sharona Harrington (3:28:36), Gary Parr who ran a personal best with (4:19:54), Selina Anderson (4:36:01), Claire Giles (4:44:58) and Hugh Stevenage (5:37:03). The same weekend saw the Brighton 10km with Tom Wheatley finishing in (53:14), followed by Antonia Boxall (57:59), Julie Speck (1:07:41) and Sarah Broom (1:08:01) also the same day at the London Landmarks Half Marathon, Wendy White finished in (2:52:48).

Before marathon weekends started Annette Maynard took on the Battersea Half Marathon, finishing in (1:42). 

In the London Marathon, Mark Nicholls finished in (2:58:58), followed by Oliver Day, achieving a personal best of (3:13:09), Philip Wallek (3:38:23), Kath Wallek (3:40:58), Susan Wintle (3:55:17), Lee Crow (4:03:24), Michelle Craen (4:30:47), Laura Walton (4:39:32), Hazel Fordham (5:13:51), Sarah Parr (5:19:51) and Paul Kaynes (5:43:24). Elsewhere, Ali Dunks (4:12:37) and Matt Baty (5:12:12) took on the Shakespeare Marathon. 

On the trails, the club was also represented at the Angmering Bluebell Run by Ben Ayling, finishing in (1:27:54).

This month also marked a special milestone for the club with the launch of our own inaugural Chicken Run in the West Sussex Fun Run League. 

Photos: (BHR team at WSFRL race), (Helen and Sarah Inaugural chicken run) 

Courtesy: ( Stephen Divers), (John Palmer) 

12.04.2026

March was a busy month of races for the Burgess Hill Runners! First up, one of the biggest events in the BHR calendar, the Brighton Half. Dylan Wallek led the club home in a superb 1:17:07. He was followed by Tom Wheatley (1:26:33), Mark Nicholls (1:27:16), Joe Jervis (1:28:03), Oliver Day (1:29:20), Travis Golbey (1:30:54), Neil Philpot (1:32:50), Darren Parsons (1:36:40), Charlie Poutney (1:38:31), Phil Wallek (1:39:00), Susan Wintle (1:46:45), Gary Parr (1:49:27), Selina Anderson (1:52:43), Sarah Parr (2:04:24), Antonia Boxall (2:06:42), Emma Watson (2:10:22), John Schofield (2:12:49), Sam Chislett (2:15:02), Hazel Fordham (2:16:27), Kath Wallek (2:19:26), Hugh Stevenage (2:21:42), Matt Hedley (2:28:00), and Lae Yee Mon (2:28:00).

And there was another club favourite, the Steyning Stinger races, and a muddy, hilly South Downs classic. In the half marathon, Susan Wintle finished in 2:26:18, followed by Stephanie Harding (2:56:13), Karen Harvey (2:56:25), and Nicola Saunders (3:25:52). In the 30k distance, Ben Watts led the club home in 2:49:59, followed by Carlos Reyes (2:59:27) and Kath Wallek (3:16:36). Chris Alden completed the full marathon distance in 4:52:31.

March saw another WSFRL race, the Fittleworth Flyover hosted by the Fittleworth Flyers. David Nibloe led the team home in 44:04, followed by Annette Maynard (47:13), Ben Ayling (49:12), Nicky Callus (54:04), John Schofield (54:20), Stuart Condie (54:23), Fran Ruocco (54:38), Stephen Divers (57:33), Alan Fry (57:54), Chris Page (58:28), John Palmer (1:01:01), Antonia Boxall (1:02:30), Theresa Chalk (1:04:10), and Kim Gow (1:12:23).

There were also a host of half marathons. Oliver Dewdney lead the BHR team at the Eastbourne Half Marathon, finishing in 1:45:27. He was followed by followed by Selina Anderson (1:52:43), Izzy Dewdney (1:58:05), Matt Baty (2:04:11), Hugh Stevenage (2:18:37), and Louisa Large (2:24:05). At the Hastings Half Marathon, Darren Parsons finished in 1:39:19, followed by Matt Baty (2:10:32) and Selina Anderson (1:59:49). Hazel Fordham represented BHR overseas at the Lisbon Half Marathon, fiinishing in 2:20:08. Kath Wallek finished the Forest of Dean Trail Half in 1:46:35. And Kevin Cross, finished the Paddock Wood Half Marathon in 1:37:14.

Elsewhere, Fiona Leen and David Leen finished the Chester 10k in 1:10:55 and 1:10:57. A huge endurance effort from Rob Carr, completing the Chester 50 ultra in 12:10:52. And from Nicky Callus and Dan Belton in the Hundred Hills 50k, a tough ultra through the Chilterns, finishing in 7:12:42 and 6:26:25 respectively. And in the Brett Lydd 20 mile race, Annette Maynard finished in 2:50:22, followed by John Palmer in 3:33:17.

In the Moyleman Marathon, a famously tough off‑road marathon around Lewes, Mark Nicholls led the team in 3:28:25, followed by Oliver Day (4:14:18), Emma Buckland (5:36:40), Stephanie Harding (5:57:40) and Rob Carr (6:13:24). Sue Savage took on the Great Welsh Marathon, finishing in 5:52:50. And last but not least, Izzy Dewdney ran a personal best at the Rome Marathon, finishing in 4:12:42.

Photos: (BHR team at WSFRL race), (Izzy and Oli at Eastbourne Half), (Kath, Susan, Ben and Carlos at Steyning Stinger)

Courtesy: (Stephen Divers), (Izzy Dewdney), Kath Wallek) 

22.03.2026

February brought a brilliant mix of marathons, 10ks, and cross‑country challenges for Burgess Hill Runners.  Members travelled far and wide - from local trails to the streets of Spain.

The month kicked off with the Murcia Marathon, a warm and scenic city race in southern Spain. Rob Carr finished in 4:08:26.

Closer to home, the Bedgebury 10 Mile offered a beautiful but undulating forest route. Kevin Cross finished in 1:25:13 and taking 1st place in his age category. Meanwhile, at the Chichester 10k, a fast and popular road race, Hugh Stevenage finished in 57:42. In the Brighton Marina 10k, Kim Gow finished in 1:10:41, followed by Fiona Leen (1:14:41) and David Leen (1:14:43).

Mark Santer took on the Seville Marathon, one of Europe’s flattest and fastest marathon courses. He delivered a fantastic performance, finishing in a PB time of 3:18:56.

Also in February was the Glyndebourne edition of the Sussex Cross Country League. In the women's 5k Kath Wallek was first home for BHR in 30:54, followed by Annette Maynard (31:53), Gayle Tyler (32:58), Susan Wintle (33:51), and Suse Potts (35:46). Leading team on the day, to consolidate position as league winners with gold medals for those scoring through the season was Kath Wallek, Annette Maynard, Gayle Tyler and Susan Wintle.

In the men's 8k, Jonny Neville led the team with a strong 36:04, followed by Edward Lambert (49:49), Stuart Condie (58:41), and John Palmer (64:30).

And last but not least, the next WSFRL race, the Crawley Run Crew Run Your Heart Out. Oliver Day was first home for BHR in 35:09, He was followed by David Nibloe (40:49), Annette Maynard (42:12), Simon Thompson (43:26), Robert Carr (43:16), Steve Barrett (43:53), Stephen Divers (43:57), Tshepho Mati (44:57), Selina Anderson (46:16), Fran Ruocco (46:21), Loretta Gendle (48:02), Stuart Condie (48:12), Richard Light (48:23), Richard Gendle (49:43), John Palmer (51:16), Chris Page (51:56), Karen Harvey (55:02), Ruth Day (1:05:09), Eileen Bristol (1:00:43), Theresa Chalk (1:11:02), and Kay Smith (1:11:56).

Photos: (Mark Santer, Seville Marathon), (Womens Cross Country team)

Courtesy: (Andrew Biggs), (John Palmer) 

07.02.2026

Club runners kicked off the new year with an impressive spread of performances across road, trail and endurance events, despite some challenging winter conditions.

The ever‑popular WSFRL Hangover 5 once again provided a muddy and undulating start to January. First for BHR was Oliver Day in a time of 37:59, followed by Paul Prosser (39:06), Travis Golbey (39:16), Annette Maynard (45:36), Stephen Divers (46:32), Michelle Craen (49:37), Tshepho Mati (49:37), Loretta Gendle (50:26), John Schofield (50:54), Fran Ruocco (51:14), Richard Gendle (51:26), Selina Anderson (52:23), Jill Bennett (52:29), Chris Page (54:43), John Palmer (56:07), Karen Harvey (57:57), Stephanie Harding (1:00:03), Tlou Mati (1:01:21), Theresa Chalk (1:01:37), Hugh Stevenage (1:03:44) and Ella Chislett (1:05:59).

Further afield, several members took on the famously tough Winter Tanners, a self‑navigated challenge across the Surrey Hills known for its mud, cold and relentless climbs. In the Winter Tanners 20, first was Karen Harvey in a time of 5:54, followed by Stephanie Harding (5:55), Errol Curling (6:34), Nicky Callus (7:08) and Nicola Saunders (8:08). In the Winter Tanners 30, Dan Belton and John Palmer finished in in 10:19.

A small group took part in the Phoenix Running Red Robin Run along Downslink, allowing runners to run as many 3.28 mile laps as they wish. Carlos Reyes managed 17.5 miles in a time of 2:29:29. And Mark Santer and Vicky Rowe managed 21.8 miles in 3:10:02 and 3:32:58 respectively.

Ruth Day completed the Romsey 5 Mile Race in 57:52, while in the BrighTen ten‑mile event, Ella Chislett finishd in 1:40:35, followed by Hugh Stevenage 1:42:22. Rob Carr managed 51km of the challenging Arc of Atttrition, in some particularly tough conditions.

Rounding off the month, the Ashdown Forest 10 Mile delivered a tough trail test, with steep climbs and technical woodland tracks. Ben Peters finished in second place overall, in a time of 1:08:01.

Photos: (BHR team at Hangover 5), (Carlos and Mark, Phoenix Running)

Courtesy: (Stephen Divers), (Carlos Reyes) 

08.01.2026

From winter cross‑country mud to sunny marathons abroad, even over the festive period Burgess Hill Runners were out in force. Here’s the latest round‑up of racing adventures across trails, tarmac, and everything in between.

First up, the last Cross Country event of the year, this time at Ardingly. In the women's 5k, Katherine Wallek was first for BHR in 27:50. She was followed by Gayle Tyler (28:16), Annette Maynard (29:01), Susan Wintle (30:55) and Suse Potts (32:25). And in the men's 8k race, Stephen Divers was first for BHR in 46:24. He was followed by Andy Sayers (48:58), Rob Carr (49:32), Stuart Condie (51:05), and John Palmer (60:01).

We had a festive group take on a December highlight, the Seaford Striders Mince Pie 10 - complete with hills, mud, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Oliver Day was first for BHR in 1:16:23. He was followed by Travis Golbey (1:16:49), Andrew Bishop (1:27:19), Neil Philpot (1:26:05), Annette Maynard (1:29:03), Fred Sykes (1:31:28), Loretta Gendle (1:44:47), Richard Gendle (1:48:41), Chris Page (1:54:11), Stephen Divers (1:57:55), Jill Bennett (1:57:55), John Palmer (2:00:22), Hugh Stevenage (2:02:43), Sam Chislett (2:06:36), Ella Chislett (2:06:59), Jane Owen (2:10:30), Theresa Chalk (2:16:59), and Sarah Broom (2:17:53).

We also had a group take on the Run Rebel South Downs races, including a 12k and Half Marathon route. In the 12k, Phil Latham was first for BHR in 1:35:37. He was followed by Nigel Cruttenden (1:39:06), Paul Kaynes (1:39:08), Ella Chislett (1:39:09), Angie Bower (1:59:38), and Kim Cruttenden (1:59:39). And in the Half Marathon, Vicky Rowe finished in 2:19:51, followed by Jayne Leaney (2:53:16).

On a day over "twixmas" was the annual Darklink 10k. A night‑time trail race lit by headtorches which takes runners along a stretch of the popular Downslink trail. Stephen Divers was first for BHR in 53:20. He was followed by Laura Walton (1:01:28), Chris Page (1:01:47), Karen Harvey (1:07:51), Ella Chislett (1:08:58), and Stephanie Harding (1:11:03).

In the Goodwood RunThrough 20‑mile race, Mark Santer finished in 2:27:06. And in the 10k, Caroline Santer finished in 1:15:53. In the Málaga Marathon, Chris Maule finished in 2:47:12.

Photos: (BHR team at RunRebel South Downs race), (Stuart, Andy, Stephen, John at Cross Country), (Mark and Caroline, RunThrough Goodwood)

Courtesy: (Ella Chislett), (John Palmer), (Mark Santer)