In a break with tradition, the Barns Green Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, September 30 this year – a month earlier than usual.
Organisers have made the change for the 30th race in order to avoid a clash with the Great South Run and to improve the chances of good weather.
Race director Vernon Jennings said: “I am very excited about the change of date and would like to thank everyone who has been so accommodating, especially Christ’s Hospital School.
“The section through the school is a lovely part of the race route and it has always seemed a shame to me that the pupils aren’t there to see it and cheer on the runners.
“By moving the race forward a month, it will hopefully also mean we can accommodate more runners by having more car parking space available. In recent years in particular, persistent rain has resulted in waterlogged fields and problems with cars getting stuck in the mud.
“Another new initiative for 2012 will be the introduction of junior and fun-run races for younger runners and more details on these will be announced very soon.”
John Franklin, head of Christ’s Hospital School, said: “We are delighted that the pupils and staff at the school will get the chance to see such a wonderful local event.
“We intend to have our famous marching band, made up of over 100 pupils, playing in the quadrangle beside the runners as they pass through. This will be a great spectacle and will hopefully give all those running in the race an extra lift.
“Several of the staff will be competing in the race, as well as some of the older pupils. They are sure to get plenty of encouragement as they run through the beautiful main avenue.”
A mixture of serious runners and fundraisers in ever-so-slightly silly costumes made the latest race an event to remember last autumn.
Almost 1,500 entrants of various abilities ran around the lanes of Barns Green, Itchingfield, Christ’s Hospital and close to Southwater, through some of the most scenic countryside in West Sussex.
More than £10,000 was raised through the 2011 race. All of this money has been distributed to charities, groups, youth and sports clubs in and around the village who helped stage the race.
The event was started in 1982 by Barns Green Football Club, to raise money for Muntham School when the school allowed the club to use floodlit facilities for training.
It has been held every year since, except 1987 when part of the course was blocked by fallen trees after the great storm.
A small army of helpers from in and around Barns Green, many from local sports clubs and youth organisations, help ensure the event runs smoothly.
For more information about taking part, visit www.barnsgreen-half.org.uk
