Race sabotage fails to dampen trail runners' spirits

A select field of 41 runners enjoyed yesterday (Sunday) morning's 2nd staging of the Herstmonceux trail race, organised by 1066 Trail Races. The scenic but undulating 8 kms route, which started and finished in Herstmonceux Recreation ground, gave runners some fantastic views over the mixed terrain of public footpaths, bridleways, woodland and quiet country lanes. Conditions were overcast but dry for the first half an hour, before the threatened rain finally materialised in no uncertain terms! Unfortunately some crucial race signs in Comphurst Lane were removed at the last minute, which resulted in many runners going slightly off course. Thankfully this is the first time that we have encountered race sabotage in two years of staging these low-key trail races.

The race attracted a nice cross-section of club and non-club runners, with no fewer than 8 different clubs represented with Go - Run, Run Wednesday and Hastings Runners to the fore.  Perennial race winner Graeme Mcintosh (Wadhurst Runners), who nearly missed the start once again!, had a terrific duel with trail race specialist and last year's race winner Phil Payne (Haywards Heath Harriers), only pulling clear in the 6th kilometre to finish just over 20 secs clear in a time of 31.53. Payne clocked 32.16, with 18 year old Chase Dorling-Parkes - the youngest runner in the field - coming in an excellent 3rd in 33.02.

Many congrats to the ladies race winner Lucy Martlew, another trail race expert, who finished 7th overall in a time of 38.24. Sally Jefferies was runner up in 50.25, with locally based Nicola Twilley (last year's race winner) 3rd in 52.25. The hard luck story award definitely went to Hastings Runners' Sabrina Holt, who was leading lady and 5th overall at the 5kms stage. Whereas most of those runners who went astray quickly realised their mistake, and turned back down Comphurst Lane, Sabrina and Cody Dorling (lying 4th at this stage) sailed past Windmill Hill and were well on their way towards Bodle Green before turning back and racking up no less than 15 kms in the process!

1066 Trail Series co-organiser Will Withecombe said: "We received great feedback from the runners who loved the beautiful course. We'd especially like to thank all our volunteers, as well as Helen Ford (Lime End Farm) and Bill Gower (Sackville Farm) for their assistance and co-operation, and Herstmonceux Village Hall where runners enjoyed tea and cake afterwards."

2 more events are planned for 2026, with the Northiam 8.50 kms trail race next up on 29th November.  See www.1066trailraces.co.uk