Late change ofdirection but itstill proves amajor success

Burgess Hill Runners hosted the Downlands Dash on Saturday and judging by several messages they have received from participating clubs and runners, it was a great success.

The praise for the organisation was gratefully received especially as it was not without difficulty due to a late change of route.

The race has been a feature of the Downlands School Summer Fayre for several years now but with the approval of the school, Burgess Hill Runners decided to make this event their contribution to the West Sussex Fun Run League.

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This meant an increase in the number of runners taking part, with more than 250 contesting this year’s adult race that starts and finishes on the school sports field and follows an off-road route of approximately 4.8 miles.

Results were only provisional at the time of going to print but overall the winner was Timmy Gedin from Arena 80 AC in 29 minutes 16 seconds, more than a minute ahead of Louis Taub in 30.25. Tom Mullen from Haywards Heath Harriers was third in 30.44.

In the ladies race, Angela Carpenter from Chichester Runners won in 33.47, followed by Camilla Bishop (Steyning AC) in 34.25 and Deborah Cawdery (Worthing Harriers) 36.42.

Many Burgess Hill Runners were involved in the organisation of the event and marshalling of the course, but some were kindly ‘released’ by hard working race director Stuart Condie.

These included Darryl Webb who was sixth overall in 31.36.

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There was also a junior race of approximately 1 mile in which there were 66 participants.

Simeon Cousins from Haywards Heath Harriers broke the tape first in a rapid 5.42, closely followed by Dominic Pay (5.59) and Jansen Lee (6.09).

First of the girls was Alessa Manco from Lewes AC in 6.28, with Sophie Hooper (Haywards Heath Harriers) second in 6.39 and Lydia Hollingdale third in 6.42.

Burgess Hill Runners would like to express their thanks to the generous sponsors of the race.

These included Trevor Symes Tree Surgery, Clifford Dann and Budgens.

Thanks also go to the local landowners who gave permission for the race to take place.

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