Hardy runners defy the rain

Despite appalling wet and windy conditions, the five- mile two-lap race - which took in the unique 220 acre location near Battle designed and constructed in its present form in the mid-18th century by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown - attracted a bumper field.

A total 287 people completed the course, an improvement on the 233 recorded last December, with Rye Runners ace Jeff Pyrah taking the overall victory by more than a minute in a time of 27:15.

Junior male Philip Huleatt, of Beech Grove Academy, came second in 28:56, with third claimed by Stuart Piper in 29:33. Tina Wren, of Hastings Athletic Club, was the first woman across the finish line in a time of 36:02.

Competitors in the Nice Work-organised event fully embraced the festive theme, with large numbers dressed in Christmas attire in eager anticipation for the pudding, mulled wine and medal awaiting them at the finish line.