Not all gloom and doomas Beacon test calledoff for safety reasons

Burgess Hill Runners stage their Downlands Dash this weekend and will be hoping for better weather than that which caused last week’s annual club handicap race to be cancelled.
the burgess hill runners handicap race 2013 is called offthe burgess hill runners handicap race 2013 is called off
the burgess hill runners handicap race 2013 is called off

Hopes were high as 90 runners assembled at Ditchling Beacon for the five and a quarter mile race from the Beacon to trig point at Black Cap and back again.

Exceptionally heavy rain and strong winds made conditions difficult but it was the reduced visibility which made it too dangerous to start.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That was a disappointment to experienced handicapper Keith Delderfield and his ‘apprentice’ James Sorbie as they had spent much time grading the runners, with high hopes of producing a close race.

It was also a blow to the competitors although it was a loud cheer that greeted chairman Andrew Baillie’s announcement that the race had been postponed for safety reasons.

This weekend’s event is part of the West Sussex Fun Run League programme and also forms part of the Downlands School summer fayre.

It comprises a one mile junior race that starts at midday, followed by the main event, a 4.8-mile scenic off-road run that begins at 12.30pm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The main event is for those aged 14 years and over, and is open to all abilities.

Entry is available on the day and costs £1 for juniors and £5 for the main race.

There will be medals presented to all junior race finishers and all bona fide competitors will be able to enjoy the school fayre afterwards.

Full details on the event can be found at www.bhrunners.co.uk/downlandsdash