Blackdown Hill Challenge – History
Background
Villagers and other locals have been running to the top of Blackdown for many years however in the 1970’s the youth club instigated a run from Fernhurst Recreation Ground to the top of Blackdown to raise some much needed funds. One way or another by 2009 it had been run 28 times.
In 2018 fund raising for Pavilion2022, to build a new sports pavilion in Fernhurst, started in earnest. While there have been and will be several more events run for Pavilion2022, what better way of doing so than a sporting event and resurrecting the Blackdown Run.
Mike Boyce who had previously run in, won and organised the event was approached for advice. He immediately volunteered to get involved and lead the organisation with a view to it once again becoming an annual event for Pavilion2022 and beyond.
The course is now 5 miles, having added a circuit of the recreation ground and a loop before and after Reeth. No surprise that the ascent remain the same, 657ft. It was decided to add a family orientated run round the rec (the 3 Rs) before the run been to the Temple of the Winds, the top of Blackdown.
Here are a couple of links to articles before and after the last time it was run in 2009.
https://www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/news/fernhurst-s-blackdown-race-takes-place-tomorrow-1-1550717