The Alf Shrubb Memorial 10K is a multi-terrain race held in and around the Sussex village of Slinfold, birthplace of the great runner Alf Shrubb (1879-1964). The next edition of this race, following a successful relaunch last year, is on Sunday, 14 September 2025.

The race is supported by three local clubs: Horsham Blue Star Harriers, Horsham Joggers, and Mels Milers Jogging Club. Alf Shrubb is most closely associated with Horsham Blue Star Harriers. There is a wonderful tale regarding the discovery of Shrubb's talent for running...

One evening in June 1899, when the Horsham Town fire bell rang out the alarm for a huge blaze in Southwater, Frank Spencer, captain of Horsham Blue Star Harriers, spotted Alf and invited him to join him in racing the horse-drawn Fire Wagon to the scene. Spencer was so impressed by Alf’s running ability in his work boots that he asked him to join the club!

Alf won many races for Horsham Blue Star Harriers and later with South London Harriers, becoming a prolific world record holder with world best times at 17 distances from 2,000 yards to the one-hour run, set between 1902 and 1904. He was twice an International Cross Country champion, four times English National XC champion, and the AAA National champion at 10 miles and four miles for four consecutive years. He was inducted into the England Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

Last year's revival of this historic race, with 237 finishers in just under two hours, was won by Michael Daly, of Horsham Joggers, in 36:35. W50 master Elspeth Turner, of Horsham Blue Star Harriers, took the women's title in 42:40. More than half the field reached the finish line at Slinfold Cricket Club inside an hour.

The main 10K race is on a two-lap course through the beautiful West Sussex countryside. This year, a 5K option has been added to the programme, alongside the children's races for future stars aged 5-7 and 8-11, making this an event for the whole family. There is a professionally led warm-up, and you might even meet the special guest starter and runner, Vassos Alexander!

Free parking, ladies-only toilets, refreshments, and a fully licensed bar are available. All profits will be shared among local Slinfold Village causes, including the Primary School, Cricket Club, Scouts, Church, Village Hall, and the Butterfly Project.

Race details and results are at the runABC South race listing here.

Photos courtesy of Alf Shrubb Memorial 10K on Facebook