Burgess Hill Runners October report

October was another memorable month for Burgess Hill Runners, with members taking on everything from local league fixtures and scenic trail events to international marathons and challenging ultras. Whether racing, volunteering or simply enjoying a day out with fellow runners, club members were out in force across the UK and beyond.

The month began with the UK Ultra South Downs events, which took runners across some of the finest but toughest terrain in the South Downs National Park. Alex Waterfield completed the 20-mile event in 3:40:01, while Clare Payne successfully conquered the demanding 50-mile challenge in 9:42:50. Meanwhile, at the popular Cardiff Half Marathon, one of the UK's biggest road races, Sue Savage finished in 2:56:08 amongst thousands of runners filling the Welsh capital's streets.

International racing featured prominently in October. At the Lisbon Marathon, renowned for its spectacular coastal views, Oliver Day completed the marathon in 3:24:51. The following weekend, Helen Pratt volunteered as a tail walker at the Royal Parks Half Marathon, helping ensure participants safely completed the scenic route through some of London's most iconic green spaces. Across the Atlantic, Fiona Turton took on one of the World Marathon Majors, completing the Chicago Marathon in 6:15:00. Closer to home, Mark Santer celebrated a new 10km personal best at the Goodwood 10km, finishing in 41:01.

The club was also well represented at the WSFRL Ardingly Amble, one of the West Sussex Fun Run League's popular off-road fixtures. Running through the Sussex countryside were David Nibloe 33:00, Alex Waterfield 35:10, Andrew Bishop 39:01, Oliver Dewdney 39:47, Annette Maynard 40:20, Selina Anderson 41:57, Steve Barrett 42:28, Stuart Condie 43:49, Richard Light 44:59, Fran Ruocco 45:02, John Palmer 46:39 and Kay Smith 1:06:37.

Later in the month, Jean Lindsay enjoyed warmer conditions at the Paphos 5K in Cyprus, completing the event in 28:42.

A large Burgess Hill contingent headed to Portsmouth for the AJ Bell Great South Run, one of the country's best-loved 10-mile races. Taking in the city's historic waterfront and famous landmarks, the event saw Travis Golbey 1:07:21, Mark Santer 1:09:34, Andrew Bishop 1:14:51, Andrew Darlow 1:24:08, Antonio Boxall 1:44:02, Theresa Chalk 1:56:55 and Karen Sargent 2:02:42 all represent the club. Elsewhere, Annette Maynard 1:52:24 and John Palmer 2:36:11 took on the trails at the Bedgebury Forest Half Marathon.