First Clair Parkrun draws goodmix and is voted a huge success

The new 5K event, organised jointly by the Haywards Heath Harriers and Burgess Hill Runners, attracted entries from all over Sussex and as far afield as Gloucestershire. One third of the field were taking part in their first ever ‘parkrun’ event.

While not a race, the event is timed so all runners get a result they can try to improve in subsequent races.

First home on the undulating course was Martin Rutter (Clapham Chasers) in 18:08, followed by Daryl Webb (BHR) in 18:34 and Danny Norman (26.2 RRC) in 18:36. The fastest woman was Libby Marchant (26.2, RRC) in 21:41, with Janet Clapton (BHR) second in 24:01 and Kat Barrett (HH Harriers) third in 24:09.

The event, which took nine months to plan, will now be held every Saturday morning at 9am. It is the fifth parkrun event to be hosted in Sussex, joining Hove Park, Tilgate Park, Preston Park and Eastbourne.

All parkruns are free to enter - simply register online at www.parkrun.org.uk by the Friday before.

Organisers rated it a successful launch and were particularly happy to have attracted a wide age-range of runners. One of them, Neil Dawson (BHR), said: “It was great to see so many juniors taking part. We reckon the age span of those taking part was in the region of 65 years.

“It was also nice to see so many children and partners in the finishing arena supporting the mums and dads running. Parkrun is truly an all-inclusive event.”

First three juniors were Jacob Oliver Hamilton, Alfie Ledger and Patrick Nolan.