With almost 3,500 finishers across the three-race format, the Yeomans Toyota Worthing RUN-FEST continues to grow in popularity and was fully sold out on Sunday, 4 May 2025. Naturally, the Star Wars theme was evident, with the strapline: "May The Fourth Be With You, Runners!"

Chewbacca, the Wookiee from the planet Kashyyyk, was present (in cardboard cut-out form) at the start for the Worthing Half Marathon, Worthing 10K and Worthing Family Mile on the seafront next to the famous 960-feet Worthing Pier, opened to the public on 12 April 1862.

First off was the half marathon at 9:30am. The course is run on a fully road-closed route that follows Worthing Promenade towards Goring Gap, with just 37 metres of elevation gain. With 1,842 finishers in four hours, the much-praised course marshals were kept busy.

James Baker (M45 Chichester Runners AC, 1:11:44) was a worthy Worthing winner, defending his title with almost two minutes to spare. The runner-up, M40 John Franklin (Herne Hill Harriers, 1:13:35) was involved in a sprint finish with Ben Pepler (Lewes AC, 1:13:38).

Kate Drew (1:19:36) was even more dominant in the women's race. The runner-up was Giulia Montagnin (1:24:13), and Laura Vickers secured third place in 1:26:27. Unusually, the top three women ran without club affiliations.

The Worthing RUN-FEST 10K was next to start, shortly after 11am. The 10K is just about net downhill, with 15m of climbing and 17m descending! A field of 1,348 runners occupied the Worthing seafront for almost two hours as Simon Heath (Brighton Phoenix, 31:43) and Laura Smith (36:11) set the pace.

The final race was the Worthing Family Mile, won by Findlay Jones (5:42) and Esme Shaw (6:34). More than 300 runners competed in this popular support event.

The RUN-FEST team will now turn attention to the Littlehampton 10K and Family Mile on Sunday 31 August, followed by the original Richmond RUN-FEST on Sunday 14 September.

Visit the runABC South race listing here for Worthing RUNFEST results and reports.

Visit the official RUN-FEST website here for future events.

Image courtesy Worthing RUN-FEST on Facebook