runABC's Alan Newman is hoping to burn some rubber at Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit – along with around 1,500 other runners – in the Chichester 10K on Sunday, 1 February 2026, with the race again being chosen to incorporate the British Masters 10K Championships.

Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit opened in 1948 and was the epicentre of British motor racing until 1966, hosting many of the greatest names in motor sport. The Formula One lap record for the 3.862km (2.4 miles) historic circuit is 1:20.400 jointly set by Jackie Stewart (BRM P261) and Jim Clark (Lotus 25) in the 1965 Sunday Mirror Trophy.

The Chichester 10K winners this February were Jack Woods (Worthing & District Harriers, 30:05) and Charlotte Alexander (Tonbridge AC, 34:04) – impressive speed for human power! A massive 240 runners passed under the finish gantry in less than 40 minutes, and there were 1,118 finishers in less than 90 minutes!

The course has been revised and improved for 2026 (see image below). There is one lap in either direction on the smooth tarmac motor circuit, with a slightly undulating mid-section on surrounding roads, with an elevation gain of 25 metres. Returning runners will note that you approach the finish line in the opposite direction from previous years.

There are fewer than 80 days before this traditional pipe-opener in the Southern race calendar comes under starters' orders. If you want to experience the thrill of starting and finishing in front of a packed Main Grandstand at the historic home of British motor racing, you need to get your 'qualifying lap' done now. To secure your place on the 2026 Goodwood grid, with prices still at the Early Bird level of £28/£30 according to affiliation status, go to the Chichester 10K website here.

To read Alan Newman's personal account of the 2024 Chichester 10k for runABC, click here. 

For previous race results and news stories, go to the runABC South race listing here. 

Photo courtesy of RunBase Events/Chichester 10K on Facebook

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