The Waddies, as Wadhurst Runners are affectionately known in these parts, have reluctantly announced the award-winning Bewl 15, voted 6th best race in the UK by Runner's World readers, has just been postponed to 2021 but a virtual version is now available for trail runners to enjoy anywhere, even at Bewl Water if you wish!

Bewl Water is the largest stretch of open water in the South East of England. It is set in 800 acres of glorious countryside in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of the High Weald, straddling the boundary between Kent and Sussex. The venue and its multiple features attract 150,000 visitors a year. Around 1,000 runners were expected to be competing in the 21st Bewl 15, which had already been postponed to 27 September from its original date of 5 July 2020, organised by the Waddies and Sussex-based Nice Work race management team. 

The virtual Bewl 15 has been launched, with a twist. To encourage even more people to try a longer trail run the organisers have opened the race to anyone who completes a 15 mile or 15K run before the end of September – and both distances qualify for the bespoke medal. 

COVID-19 restrictions may have put paid to the 2020 Bewl 15 in its traditional form, with a Scottish piper leading hundreds of competitors into the fray, but race regulars and trail triallists can still experience the off-road challenge on a course of their choosing and for a modest fee add a unique souvenir T-shirt at the point of entry with Nice Work.  

All runners who can evidence completion of their 15 mile (or 15K) run before 30 September 2020 will appear on the dedicated race leaderboard for each distance and there will be prizes available for leading age group performances – just like in a real race!

Full details and a step by step guide will be sent by email to all entrants so sign up, lace up and head off for the great outdoors, safely while following the latest recommended guidelines, record and submit your result and look forward to your medal popping through the post.

Until we can meet and race for real again this is about as good as it gets. If you are feeling super competitive, last year's Bewl 15 winners were Billy Hobbs (Tunbridge Wells Harriers, 1:26:10) and Lucy Rogers (Brighton & Hove, 1:46:21) while the course records set in 2009 are held by Will Levett (Tunbridge Wells Harriers, 1:27:05) and Katy Moore (Brighton & Hove, 1:37:25). 

Read last year's race report on runABC online here

Virtual Bewl 15 details and entry link here

Image courtesy Sittingbourne Striders