Where Lewes, East Sussex
When September 28, 2008
First Man David Bradford 1:20:51
First Woman Laura Burton 1:30:33
Last Finisher 2:31:21
No. of Finishers 114
Keats’ immortal line, “season of mist and mellow fruitfulness,” sprang to mind as runners stood surrounded by early-morning haze and dew at the Firle 20K in Lewes on September 28.
The route took runners from the grounds of Firle Place along the lengthy chalk track of Old Coach Road before turning off-road into a tough ascent up to the neighbouring village of Alfriston, where the cracks from a nearby shooting range ensured the runners kept going at a reasonable pace!
From Alfriston the course followed the South Downs Way past Bo Peep Farm, Firle Beacon – a stunning hill with a
far-reaching view – and Firle Top, before
a descent onto a fast tarmac road, which led back to the finish.
An impressive mix of changing scenery and varied terrain makes this a highly enjoyable morning out, although some distance markers are surely a necessity for future years.
