The Waddies? That's the good folk of Wadhurst Runners who know a thing or two about putting on a great race and who are led by the affable Albert Kemp. And there is no more experienced race management team than Sussex-based Nice Work, who will enjoy a mere 20-mile journey to stage this Sussex Grand Prix event based at Uplands Sports Centre, Wadhurst.

With one of the wettest winters on record the 31,000 million litre capacity Bewl Water is around 95% full, which is good news for water sports enthusiasts and runners, bikers and hikers, who can enjoy the sweeping vista across this famous reservoir.

Bewl Water is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of the High Weald, straddling the boundary between Kent and Sussex. The annual Bewl 15 utilises the scenic Round Water Route on forest paths, country lanes and some all-weather surfaces.

Each year a Scottish piper leads competitors into battle and in 2019 there were 729 finishers in 3:49:35, with local runner Billy Hobbs (Tunbridge Wells Harriers, 1:26:10) and Lucy Rogers (Brighton & Hove, 1:46:21) leading the way.

This friendly race is renowned for the free home-made cakes, biscuits and hot drinks plus the commemorative medal, technical T-shirt and well-stuffed goody bag at the finish. A free post-race massage can even be enjoyed, while listening to the strains of the Wadhurst Brass Band.

With bike hire, an adventure play park, water taxi, mini golf, laser tag challenge, soft play in the Waterfront Cafe and lunch at the Boat House Bistro there is plenty to occupy the entire family during and after the race, which starts at 10:00am.

Entries are open now for just £25/£27 via Nice Work here or you can pay an extra £2 on the day, unless all 1,000 places are gone.

Course records: Billy Hobbs, Tunbridge Wells Harriers 1:26:10 (2019) and Katy Moore, Brighton & Hove 1:37:25 (2009) with £100 prize for new records.

Image courtesy Bewl 15/Wadhurst Runners