There are less than 60 days to go to the return of the Chichester 10K on Sunday 2 February 2025. This race is traditionally the first big event of the year in the Southern race calendar and was much enjoyed by runABC South news reporter Alan Newman this year...

The accurately measured 10K route is approximately half on the world-famous Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit – with an exciting Grandstand start and finish – and half on the quiet surrounding roads. The total elevation gain is 29 metres and if it's not too windy on the exposed sections this route is a sure-fire PB generator, with experienced pacers helping.

With an eye on ensuring a hot pace at the front, Race Director Gavin Stephens has announced free entry for elite athletes faster than 30:30 (male) and 35:00 (female) with a 50% discount for top runners inside 31:30/36:00 respectively. The defending champions from earlier this year are Jack Woods (Worthing & District Harriers, 30:17 PB) and Lauren Hall (Aldershot, Farnham & District AC, 33:20) – a new race record.

Slower runners have nothing to fear as there are always more than 1,500 entries and this year's tail runner finished 1,272nd in 96 minutes. Over 1,000 were inside the hour and 700 managed a 5:00 per kilometre pace for sub-50 minutes.

The excitement is palpable as you line up in sight of the main spectator grandstand. The first 4K comprises a lap of the race circuit on smooth, fast tarmac. Runners then leave the race track for the perimeter roads for the next 5K, with opportunities to check on rivals' progress on two out-and-back sections. Finally, it's back to the slick tarmac for a gentle downhill dash for that grandstand finish.

Unlike the last edition of the Chichester 10K, there is no news of the British Masters 10K Championships being incorporated – so no race for old men like your correspondent! However, all age groups are welcome and recognised in the results and prize list in this Runbase Events managed race.

Previous results and news articles are at the runABC South race listing here.

Photo courtesy of Chichester 10K on Facebook