Hailsham Harriers make history with record turnout at Crowborough 10K

53 Harriers, a superb female podium finish and an incredible team effort brought the 2026 Sussex Grand Prix season to a memorable close for Hailsham Harriers on Sunday 1st November.

Hailsham Harriers brought the curtain down on the 2026 Sussex Grand Prix season in spectacular fashion at the Crowborough 10K, with an incredible 53 runners representing the club, its largest ever turnout at a Sussex Grand Prix event.

The popular race marked the 13th and final fixture of the series, with the black and red turning out in force to tackle the notoriously undulating course.  For several runners, it was an especially impressive effort, having only just recovered from the gruelling hills, mud and stormy conditions of the Beachy Head races the previous weekend.

Crowborough's challenging route is renowned for its relentless hills and the infamous ford on Palesgate Lane at Jarvis Brook.  However, runners were greeted by a rather different water crossing this year, with levels among the lowest many regular competitors could remember – a far cry from the raging rapids experienced twelve months earlier!

Mild November weather provided welcome conditions, although the demanding climbs ensured there was still plenty of hard work ahead.

Mike Leigh led the Harriers home with an outstanding chip time of 38:19, followed by Los Burrett in 40:24.  Alice Denning produced a superb performance to finish second female overall in an impressive 42:02, securing a fantastic podium finish for the club.

Oliver Paterson followed in 42:43, with Claire Keith close behind in 42:46 racing to an age category victory.

Also securing first in age saw Maria Smith finish 5th female in 44:05, followed by Adam Davies in 44:26, Gary Crossan in 45:35 and Graham Woolley in 46:08.

Ladies captain Helen O'Sullivan crossed the line in 46:25, just ahead of Ryan West in 46:36, Audrey Haddon in 46:42 and Chris Findlay-Geer in 47:13.

Mark Pope flew home in 48:09, Jo McGowan 48:59, followed by Men's Captain Gary Smith in 49:48, Graham Purdye in 49:51, Simon Haddon in 50:22, Nicola Twilley in 51:05, Belinda Cramp in 51:29 and Darren Grice 51:32.

Vinny Thrower crossed the line in 52:51, Eddie Diplock recorded 52:55, Gemma Payne 52:56 and Head Coach Annette Feakes 52:59, Abi Morris 53:30, while Steph Bassett completed the course in 53:47.

Men’s Vice Captain, Andrew Moore raced home in 54:39, with Sonna Lawrence and Mark Bassett both recording 55:29.

Louisa Geer crossed the line in 58:31,  Leon Greck 59:09, followed by Ladies Vice Captain Lisa Phillips-Horner in 59:52, Jess White in 1:00:29, Andrea Gilkes in 1:01:58 and Pete Daws in 1:02:09.

Lady Frances Delves finished in 1:02:21, with Victoria Little and Lindie Jooste sharing a time of 1:02:34.  Ros Daintree recorded 1:03:30, followed by Melissa Thomson, her debit race in Harriers colours finishing in 1:04:01.

Teresa Thrussell romped home in 1:07:16, Ros Thomson completed the course in 1:08:24, Cathy Gilling in 1:08:50, Fay Stevensova in 1:09:13 and Claire Hope in 1:10:38.

Julie Lewis-Clements finished in 1:11:59, followed by Jo Davis in 1:12:24, Karen Hoskin in 1:12:49, Helen Greck in 1:13:40 and Roberto Proietti securing his age category win in 1:27:11.

Flying the black and red in the accompanying Crowborough 5K was Sinead Evans, who completed her race in a fantastic 32:15 before remaining at the finish to cheer on her teammates.

She joined the many Harriers friends, family members and supporters who lined the course and finish area, providing encouragement and creating a wonderful atmosphere throughout the morning.

For Hailsham Harriers Chairman Andrew Ruffell, affectionately known as 'Ruffs', who sadly had to pull out due to a knee injury, the record turnout was a particularly proud moment and a reflection of the club's strong team spirit.

The occasion highlighted everything Hailsham Harriers stands for, with runners of all ages and abilities coming together to represent the club.

Sussex Grand Prix club representatives Gary Smith and Jo Davis were equally delighted with the response from members, having spent the season encouraging participation across all thirteen races.

The pair recognised the commitment of every Harrier who had represented the club throughout 2026, whether competing in a single event or taking part across the entire series.

Hailsham Harriers also extended their heartfelt thanks to the Sussex Grand Prix committee for the dedication, time and considerable behind-the-scenes work involved in keeping this much-loved league thriving year after year.

First established in 1985, the Sussex Grand Prix has become an important part of the county's running history, bringing clubs, runners and communities together through friendly competition and a shared love of the sport.

The club also would like to recognise the tremendous efforts of all the participating running clubs, race organisers, marshals and volunteers who work tirelessly to stage the events that make up the series.

From organising courses and ensuring runner safety to providing encouragement and those all-important refreshments, their contributions are invaluable.

More than four decades after its beginnings, the Sussex Grand Prix continues to celebrate everything that makes club running special – healthy competition, inclusivity, friendship and community spirit.  Hailsham Harriers are immensely proud to be part of this history and grateful to everyone who helps ensure its continuation for future generations.

The morning concluded in fitting Harriers fashion, with members remaining after the race to enjoy coffee, tea, cakes and plenty of conversation, celebrating not only the day's achievements but an entire season of racing together.

As this article is being typed, and with official final Sussex Grand Prix league team standings and individual age-category results across the season still eagerly awaited, there is plenty of anticipation surrounding the club's achievements across the season.

Whatever the final results, Hailsham Harriers have already achieved something worth celebrating – their biggest ever turnout at an SGP league event, and another remarkable demonstration of unity, commitment and team spirit.

Inspired to Join the Harriers?  Hailsham Harriers is a friendly, welcoming and inclusive running club catering for a wide range of ages, abilities and aspirations.  From those taking their first steps into running to experienced marathoners and ultra-distance athletes, the club offers opportunities to improve fitness, build confidence, make new friends and enjoy running as part of a supportive community.

With coached training sessions, social runs, road racing, cross-country, parkrun participation and a thriving junior section aged 8+, there is something for everyone.

Anyone interested in joining Hailsham Harriers or finding out more about the club and its activities is warmly encouraged to visit www.hailsham-harriers.org.uk