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More Grand Prix Success at Heathfield

Sunday 26th June 2022

Another outstanding day’s work at the Heathfield 10K on June 19th saw us consolidate our lead (subject to official confirmation!) at the top of this year’s Sussex Grand Prix.

Heathfield is a scenic but extremely challenging course along country  lanes around the village of Cross In Hand, with virtually no flat stretches and a headlong downhill dash at the start followed by many tough climbs, including almost all of the final two miles. Weather conditions were near perfect, with enough cloud to keep the temperature tolerable during the race and enough sun afterwards for us to relax and enjoy the post-race celebrations.

Aside from not quite achieving our target turnout for maximum points of 25 runners, our results could scarcely have been better, with 8 of the first 20 finishers wearing PHX vests, amongst them racewinner Simon Heath whose outstanding time of 32:45 on this mega-hilly course was an astonishing three minutes ahead of second-placed runner Hailsham’s Ross Brocklehurst - himself no mean runner! Also amongst our first eight finishers, and  outright winner of the women’s race, was  the ever-stronger Alison Moore.

In addition to Simon and Alison four more of our runners – Stuart Roberts, Phil Grabsky, Paul Whelpton and Andrew Haig – all claimed age category wins. There was also a Phoenix debut for Simon Russell, who we were delighted to see has joined club stalwarts  wife Sarah and son (and rising star!) Will in our ranks.

Special credit is due to Alison, Pete Goodman and a good few more of our runners who were still making their way to the start line when the race starting horn sounded unexpectedly, and then had to try and work their way up through the field. Apart from this hiccup the organisation and friendly hospitality from Heathfield Road Runners was as good as ever.

Next Grand Prix fixture,  on July 3rd, is the fabulous Bewl 15 ,which follows the lovely trail around Bewl Water before ending in similar fashion to Heathfield with a long uphill challenging finish, plus of course grassy field, cake stall, band and notorious beer tent.

Full Results   Bewl 15 Details