Sussex Cross Country League 3: Ardingly | Race Report

Last Saturday, November 30, a dedicated group of athletes competed in the Sussex Cross Country Race 3 held at the Ardingly Showground.

The event, known for its picturesque but challenging terrain, saw participants tackle a variety of surfaces, from long grassy stretches to uneven trails. Despite the season, the weather was uncharacteristically dry and warm, providing ideal conditions for runners and spectators alike.

Racing got underway early in the day with the junior races before the starting gun went off for the 5km Senior/Vets Women’s Race at 2:05pm. Our quartet of captain Katie Wright, Luisa Ramirez, Helena Rooney and Jenny Hughes put in a strong showing, with Jenny taking 1st in category (V60 Women) and Katie finishing 3nd in category (V40 Women)

Additionally, in the Women’s Vets 35-50 category, our team ranked in 3rd position and a well done to everyone involved.

Then it was the turn of the Senior/Vets Men with the 8km race starting at 2:35pm. Andrew Bargery, Ben Wright, Jamie Hinks, John Orden, and Sam Bennett all took on the challenging course with John taking 1st in category (V65 Men) and Andrew taking 3rd in category (V50 Men)

Big thanks to our team photographer for the day, Robert Smith, for taking some great snaps of us all.

Next up in the Sussex Cross Country League is the final race at Stanmer Park on February 8, 2025. Before then there’s also plenty of East Sussex Sunday Cross Country League races to get involved in and exciting regional/national races, too. You can find them all in the clubhouse!