BEWL 15
Every year, The Wadhurst Runners organise The Bewl 15 mile, voted as
one of the top 10 best races in the UK by readers of Runner’s World.
The race has been a popular feature of the South East’s Running
calendar for 22 years and is part of the Sussex Grand Prix series of
races. If the 15 Mile doesn't suit, why not try our 5 Mile Race? With both
you'll receive both a medal and t-shirt plus access to the post race cake
and beer! What more could you need?
The 2024 edition of the races will take place on Sunday 7th July.
The 15 mile race is run largely off road on pretty, gently undulating hills
around Bewl Water which nestles on the border of Sussex and Kent.
Though the race is certainly challenging, runners of all standards are
welcome. The five mile race is over the first part of the course and is
entirely off road.
Some reviews of the 2023 races on LetsDoThis:
***** Brilliantly organised, fabulous atmosphere, clean loos, lots of
them, lively music, brass band at the end, three home-made cakes and
local beer, first aid… Brilliant atmosphere.
***** Nobody organises a run event like a running club, and Wadhurst
Runners did an amazing job with the Bewl 15!
*****I was worried about this as it was my first time entering a 15 mile
event. Shouldn’t have worried- I ran, I walked, marshals were great and
I loved it
Race Location: Blacksmiths Lane, Wadhurst, East Sussex.
Watch the great film Stephen Cousins of Film My Run made at the 2016 race.
REFRESHMENTS
There are numerous water stations plus you’ll find jelly baby stations around the course. At the finish as well as a water station, and may be a free glass of beer, you’ll find a mouth-watering selection of cakes available free for all finishers.
GETTING HERE
The race headquarters is located near the starting line off Blacksmith’s Lane close to the centre of Wadhurst. The lane is closed to cars for the event and parking is available nearby.
THE COURSE
The course descends for about a mile from Wadhurst down to Bewl Water and then covers a circuit around the lake before returning up to Wadhurst.
The race is mainly on trails and includes a section on quiet country lanes towards the end and which has three hills, contrasting with the gently undulating sections along the lake.