2024 WSFRL Review

2024 Review written by Race Secretary Jill Bennet.

2024 was a huge year for the fun run league. Despite earning ourselves an extra 173 points over the year.  Finishing 11th out of 17 clubs. Our lowest overall finish which reflected the incredible numbers of attendance from competing clubs rather than the fruit of our efforts. 

Before taking over as BHR Race Secretary I had only completed (Hangover 5, Lewes, Beach run, Horsham) so this year was going to be true baptism by fire and guided tour of rural Sussex. With seventeen races on the event calendar it is no mean feat, but I am happy to say I completed the full set along with Stephen Divers and Chris Page.

As always the year started with the usual Hangover 5. There was mud and hills but we got off to a good start with 21 BH runners crossing the finish line. Mud and hills pretty much describes the majority of courses across the year due to the Sussex terrain and poor summer conditions provided by Mother Nature in 2024.  

Memorable moments for me included:

Dave Clarke’s participation in the Arunners Beach Run which despite being the most popular event with club runners was highjacked by England playing in the Euros Football semi final.  It is a great event, running a total of 5 miles out and back along the beach. This year we were treated to 18mph winds on our return leg. Believe me when I say slip streaming was the only way.  In true BHR style we headed back out on the course to pick up our last runner who on this occasion was David. Accompanied by the two tail marshals, David was incredibly apologetic for holding everyone up and stating at the age of 85 it really was time he stopped all this silly business. To which we all replied ‘not at all!’. David, it was an absolute honor to have you on the team, be part of our club and thank you for being a fantastic role model to us all. 

Running with Izzy Dewdney and watching her trying to stay upright in road shoes until she invested in some trails.

Travis Golbey for arriving at Henfield looking a little green after an end of school year night out (he is a teacher). Swiftly followed by Sheryl Caldecourt who came out of retirement picking up 6 points.

Highdown Hike, starting and finishing from Worthing Rugby club. I don’t recall the course, I’m sure there were hills and mud, but the post run party was great. The bar was open (it’s a rugby club!), there was a BBQ and a gorgeous summer evening.

Fitleworth Flyers, tested a new route and we were treated to Sophie Abbot, her newborn baby Finley and grandad cheering us on. Also taking the top prize for post race cake and tea which comes served in a china cup with a saucer.   

The biblical rain at Tilgate which flooded the car park and turned the access road in a river. 

Exciting mid week adventure to Chichester for Trundle View, which despite the long drive and rather wet conditions underfoot and falling from the sky. The course was stunning, muddy and a lot of fun, possibly my favourite. An advantage of the Wednesday run is listening to Caz Wadey on the radio to entertain on the way home.

It has been fun and looking forward to more adventures and gathering of points in 2025.