By Gareth Hutchinson
The Sussex Grand Prix (SGP) is an annual league which provides the running clubs of Sussex the opportunity to compete against each other on an individual and team basis. The categories are further divided by age and sex.
The Striders were once regular winners of the overall competition and there now seems an appetite to challenge once again for the top spot.
There are usually around 18 races that make up the Grand Prix. Points are awarded according to your finishing position, 1st place earns 500 points, 2nd place 499, and so on. The scoring is separate for men and women. Your points total is obtained from your best 8 scoring races. These 8 races must include at least 2 races of 10 miles or more. Runners’ individual points allocation also form the team scores for the club; the top 10 men and 10 ladies (vets top 5 men, top 5 ladies) are counted.
Full details can be found on the SGP website. The clubs that tend to do the best are those with strength and depth across the sexes and age groups – so don’t worry
if you are not up there with the fastest in the club. If you compete in at least eight races you are still likely to make a significant contribution to the team.
When choosing which races to do this year look out for those which count towards the SGP, those that have been declared thus far are detailed below.
Let’s get our trophy back!
Grand Prix Races 2017:
5 Mar Eastbourne Half Marathon Entry details
19 Mar Hastings Half Marathon Entry details
30 Apr Mid Sussex Haywards Heath 10 Mile Entry details
7 May Hastings Runners 5 Mile Entry details
21 May Horsham 10k Entry details
28 May The Rye 10 Entry details
2 Jul 18th Bewl 15 Miler Entry details
12 Jul Brighton Phoenix 10k
27 Aug Will Page 10k – conditional SGP fixture until further notice
10 Sep Hellingly 10k
24 Sep Barns Green 1/2 Marathon Entry details
1 Oct Lewes Downland 10 Miles
29 Oct The 10th Hove Prom 10k
Date TBC Nov Crowborough 10k