Run Barns Green: Yes, it’s back, and there’s time to enter if you’re quick

Running / Gym * Run Barns Green is back on 26th September

On Sunday 26th September, Horsham MP, Jeremy Quin will start this year’s Run Barns Green which is made up of two races, a Half Marathon starting at 10am and a 10k race which starts at 10.20am. The 2021 races will be the 39th anniversary of the half marathon race which began back in 1982. This will be the 6th anniversary of the first running of the 10k race which began in 2016. This year’s official charity for the event is once again St Catherine’s Hospice and the main sponsor is Architectural Plants from Pulborough.

Every possible precaution has been taken this year to enable the races to go ahead given all the problems caused by the pandemic. Of course the situation will be monitored very closely and the race committee is using guidance from government as well as Sport England and other running bodies to help maintain the safety and wellbeing of officials, helpers, competitors and spectators.

Commenting on the return of Run Barns Green, Chairman Vernon Jennings, said, “We are delighted that we are able to go ahead with this year’s races. There has been a huge amount of work done by the committee members who are all volunteers in order to get the races back on again after last year’s interruption. We are thrilled that Jeremy Quin has agreed to be involved. It is always a great boost to us to have the support of our local MP.”

Run Barns Green is organised entirely by volunteers and relies completely on the loyalty and commitment of the committee who work tirelessly to maintain and improve the standards of the races each year. On race weekend a small army of

additional volunteers get involved. These include sports clubs – tennis, cricket, rugby football, stoolball and hockey, the local scouts, cubs, brownies, youth club, church and playgroup. These groups and many others each take on an area of responsibility – running water stations, helping with catering, marshalling, car parking, security and de-tagging and Sponsored by looking after all the runners as they finish the races. The Barns Green Players provide event commentators to keep everyone informed about what Official charity is going on. Each organisation receives a donation which helps them to pay bills, buy new equipment and generally improve their offering. Last year’s races were cancelled because of the pandemic but in 2019 just over 2000 runners registered for the two races which follow routes on closed roads through the lanes of Barns Green, Itchingfield, Christ’s Hospital and close to Southwater through some of the most scenic countryside in West Sussex. The race also goes through the magnificent grounds of Christ’s Hospital School. What could be more uplifting for the runners? There is plenty of free car parking and there is chip timing for each runner in both races and they also receive medals on completion of the races. There are also pacemakers running who will help runners to achieve their target finish time. Registrations for the race are open on the Run Barns Green website: runbarnsgreen.org.uk. For further information contact Nigel Currie (see below).

Nigel Currie

Run Barns Green Committee (01403) 730777, 07774 229305

Photos of 2019 event by Simon Gale

Get back in the groove…

With Legs, Bums and Tums, our FREE class of the month at Billingshurst Leisure Centre.

Legs, Bums and Tums is a full body aerobic workout that aims to tone up thighs, bum and stomach. LBT is helpful if you want to lose weight or improve your fitness level. Exercises include squats, lunges, jogging on the spot, small weights and bodyweight, all to the beat of music. Suitable for all levels of fitness from beginner to advanced.

During September LBT is free to all non-members, classes run on a Monday at 7.30pm and Friday at 6.15pm, to book please contact reception on (01403) 787500 to claim your FREE place.

Since reopening we have been working hard to re-introduce all the old favourites and towards the end of September we will be launching our new This Girl Can class, please visit our website for more information on this exciting new class.

We run a variety of different exercise classes throughout the week to suit all levels of fitness, ranging from high intensity training to low intensity Aquafit classes. If spin is your thing we have 2 Stages Bikes in the Gym offering on demand Les Mills Spin classes.

Our Premium Membership gives you unlimited access to Group Exercise classes, along with the Gym and Swimming Pool and up to 4 free juniors. Our Gym Only Membership gives you unlimited access to the gym and our Swim Only Membership gives you unlimited access to Just Swim and Lane Swim sessions. All of these memberships benefit from 14 days advanced booking for activities.

Our timetable can be found on our website www.placesleisure.org/centres/billingshurstleisure-centre or call (01403) 787500 where a member of the team will be able to help you.

Billingshurst Leisure Centre @Billingshurstlc