See the map below. The course is ten miles long, undulating, with a testing hill at around six miles. It is approximately 6 miles off road on farm tracks and bridleways, while the remaining 4 miles are on reasonably quiet roads. It is therefore not suitable for cross country spikes, however ordinary running shoes are usually fine, with a waffle sole probably being the best for traction. With so much of the course off road, and given the time of year, the course can be fairly muddy.
Do you accept entries on the day?
In recent years the race limit has been reached well before the day of the race, so we have been unable to accept entries on the day.
What are the facilities at race HQ?
The race headquarters are at the Peacehaven Leisure Centre, where there are changing rooms, showers and toilets and a limited range of refreshments – although we are arranging some food stalls in the car park at the back of the Centre. There is ample parking either at the Leisure Centre or at the nearby shopping centre (but we do ask all runners to be mindful and courteous to all other users of the facility).
What is the weather usually like?
It is difficult to make accurate predictions —we are in England — but given the time of year for the race it is reasonable to expect the temperature to be quite low, and there is always a likelihood of rain. In addition this part of the South Coast is fairly exposed, so it is not unusual for there to be a strong breeze knocking about. Conditions in the past have ranged from freezing sleet to sunny and warm; the best bet is to check the Met Office forecasts for the area, assume the worst and bring plenty of layers just in case. You can then make a decision closer to the start time.
When is the closing date?
The closing date will vary from year to year, but in the last few years entries sold out 6-8 weeks before race day, so we encourage early entry.
What time should I arrive?
The race starts at 11.00 am, so we would recommend that you try to arrive by 10.00 am in order to make sure you can park and do everything you need to do before the off. For those of you travelling from outside the area who are not familiar with the town, allow yourself extra time for any unexpected traffic delays and to navigate the last few miles to the Centre. We cannot hold up the start of the race for any late arrivals.
Do I need to register?
Provided you have your race number, then there is no need to register on the day. Only entries on the day need to go to the Registration Desk.
What should I do if I haven’t received my race number?
Race numbers and details are sent out in the last couple of weeks before the race. If you have pre-entered and have not received your race number by the Friday before the race date please contact the Entries Secretary or email Mince Pie
I have a place but am unable to run. Can I swap with a friend?
Yes, provided both you and the runner you’re swapping with provide us with the following
- An e-mail from the person who already has the number giving authorisation to give their number to the new runner
- An e-mail from the new runner giving the following information:|
First Name
Surname
Email address
Date of Birth
Gender
Full address including postcode
Telephone number
Predicted Time (in minutes)
Name of running club (if applicable)
UKA Affiliation number (if applicable)
What prizes are on offer?
There are trophies for the 1st man and the 1st woman and a special award to the largest team entry. There are also Christmas Puds for the first five men and the first five women in the race. Every finisher gets a goody bag and a mince pie.
Will I get lost?
We sincerely hope not, we haven’t lost anyone yet! The course is well marked and marshalled. There are large scale course maps on-line and at Race HQ and we always provide a sweeper on a bike to follow the last person to finish.
Where does the money from the entry fees go?
Once all the expenses for staging the race —hire of hall, prizes, goody bags, affiliation fees, and so on —have been deducted, the surplus is divided between that year’s nominated charity and the running club. The charity changes from year to year but is always one that is local to the area, chosen from suggestions by club members. Since the race began we have raised several thousand pounds for a variety of charities.