As I type away, Spring feels like it is with us at last, or just about anyway. And Spring brings us two very popular local-ish Marathons during the month of April, namely London and Brighton.
First up is Brighton on 12th April, followed by London two weeks later. Not only do we have a number of runners taking part in both events, but we also have a large dumping of HJ’ers who have put themselves forward to volunteer at the events too.
I always admire anyone who runs a Marathon. The distance itself is far enough, but the commitment to train for one is arguably the greater achievement. The roads and trails surrounding Horsham are hilly, so nearly all training routes include a climb of some description, which can only be a good thing in terms of building the endurance needed to run 42km (and doing 42 loops of Dutchells Copse doesn’t sound quite as appealing). The time spent during a busy week to fit in marathon training can be tricky so kudos to anyone running one.
Finding some training routes to run is where the Sunday morning marathon sessions have come in. Helpful guides, maps and drink stops are extremely helpful. Many of you training for a Marathon or long run will also have the directions saved on your watches/phones to ensure you don’t get lost.
I could have done with some directional assistance on a recent run to and from Chichester to Chichester Marina along a canal path – a so-called ‘easy to run’ 8-mile round trip. I managed to get myself lost at pretty much the one and only part of the route that temporarily leaves the canal path. I realised this upon entering a village I’d never heard of, and I asked a chap sat on a bench outside the local store how to rejoin the canal path. He cheerfully pointed me in the right direction, his parting words to me being “You can’t miss it”.
Anyway, after I’d missed the entry to rejoin the canal path (twice) and with visions of my life ending like it had for Dirty Den, I eventually managed to complete the run, the additional distance from going off-route actually helping me reach my target mileage, albeit via a field I hadn’t expected to cross.
Of course, running at a large set event like the Brighton or London Marathon means the chances of getting lost are nearly zero. You can usually follow the person in front of you (unless you are one of the Cook brothers as you’ll be in the lead anyway) and you should reach the finish line without hiccup, certainly not-withstanding the blunder at the USATF Half Marathon in Atlanta at the start of March, where the lead vehicle took the 3 front runners completely off course (in a Championship qualifier event too).
Anyway, good luck to everyone competing at either of the upcoming Marathons, or any of the other multiple runs and races which are taking place over this coming quarter.
Unsung Hero – Diane Berry
The Unsung Hero for this edition is coincidentally timed in accordance with the annual membership renewals for the club and is the one and only Diane Berry.
Diane has worked timelessly for the club over a number of years, registering the membership, being a committee member for the last 6 years in a key role. On top of her work for the club, she often takes a running/walking group on a Tuesday night too.
She is a key member of the club and is much loved by its members.
Thank you, Diane for your continued hard work for the club. We all appreciate it.
Simon Perkins and Gary Tomlinson – Qualification Secured!
It was fantastic to see both Simon Perkins and Gary Tomlinson qualify to run for the England Masters following a brilliant performance at the Forest of Dean Half Marathon. This was a British Trail Championship race and only the fastest from this event would qualify – and both Simon (5th) and Gary (2nd) did this in their respective age categories.
Well done to both of you!
Surrey Half Marathon
A large swathe of Joggers turned up to run the Surrey Half on Sunday, March 22nd, in and around the streets of Woking. The infiltration into our neighbouring county didn’t seem to put us off and some fantastic times were recorded in near-perfect conditions.
Times were as follows (for those who put Horsham Joggers as their club on their entry):-
Matthew Gordon (1.16.00), Matt Mason (1.18.12), Emin Akbay (1.20.52), Richard March (1.26.22), Raff Vitale (1.28.25), Oliver Wilson (1.27.46), Melissa Galea (1.28.28), Katie Horton (1.33.27), Matt Elnaugh (1.33.25), Reuben Honey (1.33.53), Nick Howie (1.33.57), Malcolm Footer (1.34.46), Martin Allen (1.50.28), Gary Betts (1.49.04), Dominic Sear (1.58.40), Lauriane Canadas (2.08.08) and Kat Smith (2.10.05).
Brilliant turnout and some terrific times across the board. Well done all of you!
5ks Galore – Helen James
As part of raising money for charity, Helen James ran at least a 5k every day during December.
On top of this, Helen also raised money via other means including a delicious cake bake sale at one of the recent Tuesday night run and talks. The chocolate brownie in particular being very tasty (as I am sure the other cakes were too!).
Top work, Helen.
Overseas Races
I know there were a few HJ’ers who competed in various overseas races during this quarter, but a couple of particular note was Margaret Wadman with a terrific 1st in her age category in the Doha 10k, and also May Le who ran the Dubai Marathon in just under 4 hours.
In addition to this, a good number of hj’ers travelled to Lisbon to run the 10k and Half Marathons. Top work by all including Sue Horne who ran her first ever 10k which was so great to see!
Tanya Boardman/Gareth Sear – ‘Cricket Wicket’ Marathon
It was an interesting adaption of a usual Marathon, but Tanya Boardman and Gareth Sear ran a Marathon on the running track at Broadbridge Heath but in a slightly unusual way.
They tagged each other like cricketers do when batting, effectively running half a Marathon each over the course of just over 2 and a half hours, and all for the cause of raising money for charity.
I know Gareth was a little concerned leading up to this, so it was great to see they both managed to complete it and didn’t get ‘stumped’ along the way.
Tanya also provided a helpful talk to a vast array of Joggers at the Bridge in January, about her own experiences of Marathon running and the training which goes towards completing a successful run. This included shared experiences and audience participation and was very much enjoyed by those who attended.
Multi-Storey Marathon
The ‘Cricket Wicket’ Marathon was equalled in bizarre-ness by Mal Thornton and Tim Hampson running (with others) the ‘Multi-Storey Car Park Marathon in Southend on 8th February, which was 63 laps which was a climb/descent apparently the height of Ben Nevis!
Money raised from both the Horsham 10k and the Gunpowder Trot events in 2025 has been used to provide two local charities with some much-needed funding.
The cheques were presented by the Club to the respective charities. Both the Olive Tree and St Catherine’s Hospice gratefully received cheques for £1500 each from Horsham Joggers.
Parkrun Away Day to Cranleigh
A huge swathe of hj’ers descended on Cranleigh on 21st March for the most recent awayday, which coincided with Laura Stephenson’s 100th parkrun.
Lots of other HJ’ers also toured around the world at various parkruns over this quarter, perhaps the furthest being Claire Butler who ran in Torquay … in Victoria, Australia. Luckily with all her alternative track sessions we know she has the right koala-ifications to run over there!
Look out for future parkrun awaydays by checking the calendar.
Brighton Half Marathon
More inspirational running took place at the Brighton Half Marathon at the end of February.
It was brilliant to see how many HJ’ers took part in the event, running superbly in very difficult conditions.
The website wouldn’t let me filter the results by club, however Sam Cook came home 5th overall in a staggering 68.39 made all the more impressive as he had to stop a few miles in to tie up his shoe-lace.
Our own HJ runs page is full of photos and videos of our club runners performing superbly on the day so please check that out.
WSFRL Update – Run Your Heart Out (15th Feb) and Fittleworth Flyers at Thakeham (22rd March)
Some tremendous results from the West Sussex Fun Run League races so far this year and we currently sit top of the table!!
After the New Year’s Day Hangover Five where we scored a lot of 10 points, we then followed this up with a remarkable 1-2-3 result at the Run Your Heart Out on 15th February, the lead contingent of HJ’ers led home by Lewes Reeves closely followed by Matt Mason and Matt Gordon, with Katie Horton coming home 2nd female overall to also score 10 points.
Off the back of this, we then followed up with some success at the Fittleworth Flyers on 22nd March. Mark Alger came home 4th overall and Steve Wright showed a cracking return to form to finish not too far behind him. Leia Judge was 6th female, just ahead of Rosaline Pollard who was 8th female.
Let’s keep the momentum up – remember its important we have a big turn out at these races as everyone who finishes will score points, which in turn go towards helping the club finish as high up as possible. Check the dates below and the calendar on the website for the upcoming races (remembering you need to enter these races in advance through Memberzone).
Crazy Golf, 7thth March 2026
Horsham Joggers had great fun during an afternoon of Crazy Golf on 7th March.
Thanks again must go to Florian for organising these social events, he is ‘by par’ the best man for organising these events.
The next social event will be the annual quiz night, which is being held at the Holbrook club on 15th May 2026. An event has been created on HJ Runs (see ‘Events’ section). More details will also be shared shortly.
Upcoming Events
AGM and Awards Evening – Friday 17th April 2026
The AGM and Awards Evening will be held on Friday, 17th April 2026 at the Horsham Sports Club at 7pm. The AGM agenda is here.
The evening promises to be very interesting, with our hard-working Committee members running through the various updates for the club followed by the handout of a number of Club Awards for achievements during 2025. Included in the Awards are those for the West Sussex Fun Run League, and also the announcement of the winners for both the Volunteer and Jogger of the Year awards.
After the Awards ceremony, everyone is welcome to stay around to socialise over a drink or two until closing time.
Horsham 10K, Sunday 10th May 2026 – Volunteers needed (WE NEED YOU!)
The Horsham 10k takes place on Sunday, 10th May and this event is chaired by our very own club HJ Chairman Ian Dickinson. To ensure the 10k takes place we need around 100 volunteers (marshalling and other roles). As at the time of typing we have just over 30 signed up to help so we need a lot more.
Volunteering is extremely rewarding and only takes a few hours of your time. Additionally, you will receive a medal and you can also run in the Volunteers 10k the day before (not compulsory but very enjoyable!). A few of the roles mean you can both volunteer AND race on the Sunday!
Winner winner chicken dinner (as the saying goes, though probably avoid it until after the Volunteer run).
Challenge Trophy Races
The club’s Challenge Trophy races are starting to creep up on us. Just a reminder of which ones selected by the club for this year:-
- 10 Mile – Haywards Heath – 3rd May 2026 – Website
- WSFRL – Trundle View – 27th May (entry for HJ Members will be via MemberZone)
- 5k – Wisborough Green – 7th June – Website – NEW distance for 2026
- Half Marathon – Henfield Half– 16th August 2026 – Website
- 10k – Alf Shrubb – 13th September 2026 – Website
Please remember that apart from the WSFRL race (which you can enter on MemberZone nearer the time), the other races you will need to sign up separately. Make sure you include Horsham Joggers as your club when you do the entry form (and please also wear your HJ race vest on the day!)
Five minutes with … Malcolm Footer
1. How long have you been a runner and what made you start?
43 years initially to shed weight. In my race riding days, I was an amateur national hunt jockey.
2. Why do you run?
It’s really around trying to keep fit.
3. How long have you been at Horsham Joggers?
8 years.
4. Biggest running achievement so far?
Running 39.30 in a 10k two years ago.
5. What are your future running goals and ambitions?
To run a 3.28 at the London Marathon in 5 weeks’ time.
6. What’s the best thing about Horsham Joggers?
The many many friends we have made in the last 8 years.
7. Specialist subject on Mastermind?
Minder series 1-8 when I win that stage I would move onto The Sweeney (anyone under 50 will need to YouTube these).
8. Tell us something we don’t know about you?
I hold a farm management qualification.
Other News
Membership Renewals are DUE NOW!
Just a reminder that your annual Horsham Joggers Membership Renewal is due now. Please avoid being struck off the list and removed from HJ Runs and get those renewals done as quickly as you can so that our Unsung Hero Diane can process them (don’t let her Millwall shirt scare you off!).
Membership Numbers
As of 27th March 2026, HJ currently has 709 members, of which approximately 200 of us are EA affiliated.
If anyone wants to know more about EA affiliation then please feel free to ask for an explanation into how this works and whether joining EA is suitable for you.
Dates for your diary (unsurprisingly there’s a lot this quarter!)
- 4th April – Sussex Road Relay Championships
- 6th April – WSFRL Lewes
- 12th April – Brighton Marathon
- 12th April – London Landmarks Half
- 19th April – Manchester Marathon
- 19th April – WSFRL Chicken Run
- 26th April – London Marathon
- 26th April – Angmering Bluebell 10k
- 2nd May – East Grinstead 10 miler
- 3rd May – Sussex Grand Prix at Haywards Heath (Challenge Event
- 3rd May – Three Forts Challenge
- 3rd May – Worthing Half Marathon
- 4th May – Burgess Hill 10k
- 10th May – Horsham 10k
- 10th May – Run Gatwick Half and 5k
- 10th May – WSFRL Hedgehopper 5
- 15th May – Horsham Joggers Quiz Night
- 17th May – Lindfield Village 10k and 5k
- 17th May – Sussex Grand Prix at Rye (10 miler)
- 27th May – WSFRL Trundle View
- 31st May – Sussex Grand Prix at Hastings (5 miler)
- 7th June – Wisborough Green 10k
- 14th June – Sussex Grand Prix at Heathfield (10k)
- 17th June – WSFRL Arunners Beach Run
- 28th June – Housedean Half and 10k
- 1st July – WSFRL Roundhill Romp
- 5th July – Sussex Grand Prix Bewl 15
As ever please check the calendar on the main HJ website (and HJ Runs) for any updates/changes which take place.
Be lucky.
Simon Holmes