runABC South reporter Alan Newman missed his annual pilgrimage to the Kings Head public house in East Hoathly for a pint of real ale from the local 1648 Brewing Company this August Bank Holiday Monday (29 August).

The free beer is just one of several rewarding aspects of the Kings Head Canter 5K and is offered in exchange for a race number at the finish outside the CAMRA North East Sussex Pub of the Year 2019, with the 1648 Brewery situated next door.

This year there were just under 200 competitors thirsting for success in the 24th Kings Head Canter and the 16-minute barrier for the undulating point-to-point run between Chiddingly and East Hoathly was broken only by the winner – Ben Short (Crawley AC, 15:59).

The 2022 champion was pushed hard by 2007, 2008, and 2009 winner M45 James Baker (Chichester Runners & AC, 16:07) who was just 17 seconds slower than in his third victory 13 years ago. Baker won the masters award this year with his run worth 88.2% when age-graded. Jon Barnes (Henfield Joggers, 16:18) wasn't far away in third place.

Emma Navesey (Lewes AC) was a swift women's winner in 17:55 and 11th overall in a field of 193 finishers in 56:17 – with the redoubtable David Dobbs (81) bringing up the rear as the oldest competitor. The women's podium was completed by master athletes W40 Mari Laidlaw (Brighton Tri Club, 19:14) and W50 Sue Fry (Eastbourne Rovers AC, 19:16).  

Stuart Mills, the genial Race Director, has been ever-present since 1998 at the event that helps East Hoathly and Halland Carnival Society raise funds that benefit the local community. 

Many runners enjoy a warm-up across fields to the start in Chiddingly or the reverse route as a warm-down. This is a race that requires a degree of logistics to plan the day and for the designated driver there is a soft drink option to that pint of 1648 amber nectar!

Next year will be the 25th anniversary Kings Head Canter 5K and this correspondent will be aiming to make his ninth visit on his M70 category debut – hamstrings willing! 

Results are available via runABC South's race listing here

Image courtesy Jim Holden 'Jimmy the Snaps' for Kings Head Canter