Blackdown Hill Challenge 2022

52 brave runners took to the start line for the return of the Blackdown Hill Challenge. The race from Fernhurst Rec to the summit of the highest hill in Sussex and back is a fundraiser for the Pavilion2022 campaign.

Tim Short from Shillinglee smashed the record by five minutes with a time of 30m53. Fastest woman was Caroline Whelan of Dorking & Mole Valley Athletics Club with 43m52. Neither looks old enough but they also qualified for the veterans’ awards!

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Organiser Mike Boyce said “We were all very pleased to see 52 runners take on the Blackdown Hill Challenge and the children’s run around the Rec. Despite an absence of two years due to Covid 19 we had runners travelling from as far London and Dorking. I think it’s fair to say it’s a tough race, but the positive feedback from the runners is fantastic. The intention is to make this an annual event in the local running calendar and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”

Fastest runners from Fernhurst parish were Shiobhaun Watt on 54m29 and Rob Unwin on 40m41.

Construction of Pavilion2022 is proceeding but so is the fundraising due to escalating costs in the building trade. The main part of the build is assured but there are ‘extras’ which Fernhurst Recreation Ground Trust is also keen to provide. Blackdown is the highest hill in the South Downs National Park (280m/920ft) and the 5 mile trail run from Fernhurst Rec to summit and back involves an elevation change of 657 feet.