Heathfield hosts hilly marathon

Sunday 7th October 2018 saw the 6th Annual Sussex Marathon set off from the Community Centre in Heathfield. Described as ‘possibly the hilliest marathon/half marathon on tarmac’ it attracts top runners who want to conquer the hills of Heathfield and surrounding villages.

The course doesn’t pull any punches heading down Ghyll Road, Sandy Cross Lane, through Vines Cross, around the green at Rushlake Green all the way up to Punnetts Town – before sending the runners all the way back up Ghyll Road to finish at the top. Marathon runners took on two laps of this gruelling course!

There was some local representation in the pack with almost a dozen locals taking this test of endurance. Dan Hunter Evans from Chiddingly, who can be found training at the local Isenhurst gym, finished 25th out of 58 runners in the half marathon. He said: “Finishing up Ghyll Road was almost cruel but I knew when the end was coming and just had to dig in.”

Nicholas Field with his children after the race

Heathfield resident Nick Field managed to break the two hour barrier for his first attempt at a half marathon. He said: “I had the home advantage, I’ve run up and down all these hills many times since I pulled my trainers on in June to take running more seriously.

“There were many residents offering support on the way, with great encouragement in Vines Cross and helpful cheers in Punnetts Town.

Full results at http://uksportstiming.co.uk

Entry for next year is yet to open but keep an eye on www.sussexmarathon.co.uk for news