Helen OSullivan
Helen OSullivan
25 March, 2025
Sport

Hailsham Harriers celebrate cross-country achievements

Pett Wood, near Hastings was the home to the final fixture in the East Sussex Sunday Cross Country League held on Sunday 9th March. The league this year consisted of five events running from October through to March whereby 18 teams, compiled of 23 Sussex clubs, compete for team and individual awards. Pett Wood, organised by Hastings Runners and Hastings AC, attracted a turnout of 209 senior runners and a combined total of 32 junior runners for the mixed terrain 5-mile undulating route.

Team Hailsham at Pett Wood cross-country.

Running for Hailsham juniors saw Poppy Croucher in the U13 girls finish with a superb time of 12:36, in the under 11 boys, John Gilkes had a sensational run finishing in 14:45 and Oscar Croucher ran a swift time of 14:46 for the under 13 boys.

Hailsham are very proud of all their junior runners and their performances this season, with notable mention to under 11 John Gilkes who has ran his first cross-country season and completed all five fixtures.

Second place female overall Alice Denning
Second place female overall Alice Denning Credit: Hailsham Harriers

Whilst many members of Hailsham Harriers are in the last few weeks of training for various Spring marathons, in the Senior Race, eleven Harriers competed with Alice Denning 33:58 first Harrier home and first female over the line, followed by Graham Woolley 36:22 in 29th place, Katy Reed third female and 34th overall in 37:21, Claire Keith fourth female and 35th overall in 37:21, Sarah Day 56th in 39:49, Graham Purdye 58th in 40:02, Ladies captain Helen O’Sullivan 89th in 43:52, Annette Feakes 166th in 55:48, Ian Cant 167th in 55:48, Graham Pearson 207th in 1:20:44 and Anne Brandenburg 208th in 1:22:47

Claire Keith, V35 age category winner.
Claire Keith, V35 age category winner. Credit: Hailsham Harriers

The final fixture at Pett is also saw the announcements of final awards and prize giving, with Hailsham proud to achieve an array of age category finishers and Alice Denning finishing the 2024/2025 season as second female overall, just two points behind lady’s winner from Eastbourne Rovers; Alison Moore.

Alice Denning also placed second in her senior age category with Claire Keith first V35, Katy Reed first V40, Maria Smith second V45, Ros Daintree third V65, Chris Doherty second V35, men’s captain Carl Barton second V45 and Graham Purdye first V65. Award contenders had to run three of the five fixtures.

Graham Purdye V65 age category winner
Graham Purdye V65 age category winner Credit: Hailsham Harriers

Hailsham Harrier, Graham Pearson, deserves a special mention this year with his performances and dedication as he has run every cross-country fixture for the past two years.

Katy Reed, second place V40.
Katy Reed, second place V40. Credit: Hailsham Harriers
Hailsham Harriers are proud of all their members who joined the team for the 2024/2025 season and which saw the club finish fifth overall. Thanks go to all involved at the East Sussex Sunday Cross Country League season and congratulations to everyone who took part and Lewes AC who placed first team overall.

The league re-starts in October 2025.

Hailsham Harriers is a friendly running club for senior and junior runners that welcomes members of all abilities. Visit their website, hailsham-harriers.org.uk to find out more.