Festive fun at Clair Park

A total of 65 runners braved wet and blustery conditions at Clair Park for the last park run before Christmas.
burgess hill runners christmas 2013burgess hill runners christmas 2013
burgess hill runners christmas 2013

This was the 23rd such event, which offers a free 5k run each week.

The one on the last Saturday before Christmas was brightened up by many of the runners arriving in fancy dress to begin the Christmas celebrations.

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The field included 11 Burgess Hill Runners, 13 Haywards Heath Harriers and four members of the Mid Sussex Tri Club.

First over the line was Russ Mullen of Haywards Heath Harriers in a time of 19 minutes 9 seconds, which is an impressive result given the challenging course and the fact that he wore a full Santa suit.

It was great to see Darryl Webb of Burgess Hill Runners cross the line in 19.22 as he continued his return to fitness following long term injury.

Third over the line was Paul Tomlinson as he stopped the clock at 19.49.

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First lady home was Marguerite Lazell of Haywards Heath Harriers in a time of 21.36.

That was the fourth consecutive week that she had led the ladies home.

Second lady was Kim Lo, also of the Harriers, in 23.39, followed by Janet Clapton of Burgess Hill Runners in a time of 23.45.

There was an excellent turnout in the junior ranks, with Lewis and Orson Barrett-Berry both recording personal bests.

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The Burgess Hill Runners Junior Academy was represented by Natalia Atherley and Charlotte Donnelly, the latter taking over 20 seconds off her previous best time.

Recently, the benefits of running with the Academy were seen in the Junior Schools cross country event at Warden Park School.

Out of 131 girls running, Charlotte came second, Francesca was fourth and Natalia came 11th. Their school (St Joseph’s) lifted the trophy after coming first out of 22 schools (girls).

In the boys race Reece Willie came seventh and as they all finished in the top 25, they will now go on to race at Borde Hill on January 15.

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That was the first time St Joseph’s had lifted the Mid Sussex schools cross country title, which was organised by Mid Sussex Active. Five of the eight-strong team finished in the top 25.

For further information on the Clair parkrun, go to: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/clair/.