Run Barns Green has become an established part of the West Sussex running calendar, but its origins can be traced back to thirteen footballers, a sponsored run and the need to raise £350 for a camcorder.

The story began in the winter of 1981 when Barns Green Football Club was allowed to use the floodlit tennis courts at Muntham House School without charge. Wanting to return the favour, thirteen footballers joined the school's head Alan Train and his two sons for a sponsored ten mile run. They raised the money the school needed and, while celebrating afterwards, the idea of organising a Half Marathon was born.

The first Barns Green Half Marathon followed in 1982 and attracted just over 1,000 runners. Entries were taken on race day and the unexpectedly large field created a frantic morning, particularly with a road closure requiring the race to start on time. With minutes remaining, runners were still registering and warming up, but somehow the entire field assembled ready for the scheduled 11:00am start.

More than four decades later, the event has developed into Run Barns Green, a festival of running for the whole family. The programme now includes the Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Jennings Junior Jog, with closed road racing through the West Sussex countryside. The Half Marathon and 10K also pass through the historic Christ's Hospital school.

Live music at the start and finish and along the course adds to the occasion, while Barns Green Village Hall remains at the heart of race day.

One connection with those earliest days also survives. The race motto chosen by the original committee was Alan Train's personal motto, 'Vincit Qui Patitur', meaning 'He who endures conquers'.

From a £350 fundraising run to one of Sussex's enduring running events, Barns Green has certainly lived up to it.

Entries are available via the runABC race hub here.

Image courtesy Race Images for Barns Green Half Marathon.