There was no danger of getting lost in the Cowdray Maize Maze 10K, 5K, and Kids 3K races on Bank Holiday Monday 26 August 2024, despite the unique course passing right through the popular maze at this dynamic and progressive country estate near Midhurst, East Sussex.

Raw Energy Pursuits promotes this event, allowing families to race through the six-foot-tall maize without worrying about getting lost, because the course is fully signed for participants. Once runners had raced through the maze, they could walk it without signposts with their friends and family.

Each runner received one free entry (usual admission £6) with a guest pass and bespoke finisher's medal. The course includes various parts of the maze, the sunflower meadows, and wildflower fields surrounding the beautiful Cowdray Estate and world-famous Polo Lawns.

The top three in the Maize Maze 10K trail run were Graham Russ (38:06), Alex Smith (Team THE, 40:52) and Elliot Johnson (42:21). The women's race was won by W40 Katie Wright (Arena 80 AC, 46:30) from Alice Gatland (48:00) and W55 Jo Hesketh (Steyning AC, 49:49).

Luca De Giovanni (City of Portsmouth AC, 19:43) showed the correct way in the Maize Maze 5K with the only sub-20-minute time. W50 Fiona Rivaz (Bognor Regis Tone Zone, 29:42) was the leading lady.

The Kids Maize Maze 3K saw victories for Jack Ford (14:29) and Isla Jenkins (15:09). There was one over-age competitor described as 'Vintage' and representing a club with a total membership of one – Bea and Ted's Granny! Pam Russell recorded 25:08 as she looked after her young charges.

Raw Energy Pursuits manages various triathlon and wild water swim events. Their next running event is the Autumn Trail Run at Cowdray Estate on Saturday 12 October 2024 – click here for full details.

The full results are at the runABC South race listing here.

Photo of Cowdray Estate sunflowers courtesy of Raw Energy Pursuits