The Bewl 15 has been a trail runner's delight for 23 years and the addition of a 5-mile 'Baby Bewl' taster event can only enhance the reputation of this accolade-winning, off-road spectacular. This year's Bewl 15 and 5 take place at 10:00am on Sunday (2nd July 2023). Entries are still being taken and there may be some on the day, subject to availability.

Last year, this Sussex Grand Prix fixture was won in course record time by Simon Heath (Brighton Phoenix, 1:25:58) and W40 veteran Freya Leman (Brighton & Hove AC, 1:49:56) took the women's top prize. There were 438 finishers within 4:11:00.

Bewl 15 consists of a single undulating lap of the Bewl Water reservoir on the scenic trails and quiet country lanes that comprise the Bewl Water walking and cycle route around the largest stretch of open water in the South East of England.

Race HQ is in a field off Blacksmiths Lane, Wadhurst, East Sussex, and runners are often led to the start by a lone Scottish piper in full regalia. The local brass band usually salutes finishers, who are then rewarded with home-made cakes, a glass of beer, plus a commemorative medal and a Bewl 15 T-shirt.

The main event carries top prizes of £50 Running Hub vouchers for the first man and woman, plus two £25 spot prizes. Also at stake are points in the Sussex Grand Prix and we all know what points make – more prizes! Bewl is the seventh of 12 races in the 2023 Sussex GP series.

Bewl 15 is promoted by the local club, Wadhurst Runners – the Waddies – who were Sussex GP champions in 2018. Race management is supported by Nice Work who are taking entries priced at £30/£32 for the Bewl 15 and £16/£18 for the Bewl 5 (£35 and £20 respectively on the day if available).

Previous results and reports at the runABC South race listing.

Full event details at the Bewl 15 race website.

Photo: Wadhurst Runners on Twitter