The Bewl 15 celebrates its silver anniversary on Sunday, 6 July 2025. Wadhurst Runners has organised this Sussex Grand Prix staple for 25 years and now welcomes the expertise of Sussex-based Nice Work race management as competitor numbers have swelled to more than 650 runners.

The multi-terrain run around the 31,000 million litre Bewl Water reservoir in 800 acres of parkland on the Sussex and Kent border at Lamberhurst raises funds for the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS). Last year's race raised over £5,000 for the vital work of the KSS.

The 15-mile course descends for about a mile from Wadhurst to Bewl Water and then covers a circuit around the reservoir before returning to the finish at Wadhurst. The race is mainly on trails and includes a section on quiet country lanes towards the end, which has three 'sting-in-the-tail' hills contrasting with the gently undulating sections along the lake.

A few years ago, a 'Baby Bewl' five-mile race was added to the programme, which is entirely off-road and a great introduction to trail running. Last year's five-miler winners were Will Withecombe (Hastings Runners, 34:32) and W35 Claire Thomas (Hastings Runners, 39:23).

The 2024 Bewl 15 winners were Dylan Wymer (Dulwich Runners, 1:37:17) and W40 Amy Dixon (Hy Runners, 1:50:40). More than 50 finished inside two hours and the final runner reached the finish line at Blacksmith's Lane, Wadhurst in 4:21:55. Prospective entrants should note there is a four hour cut-off time in the Bewl 15 for the first time this year.

What is the Bewl 15 like to run? This reviewer sums it up nicely: "Brilliantly organised, fabulous atmosphere, clean loos, lots of them, lively music, brass band at the end, free home-made cakes and local beer, first aid…brilliant atmosphere."

Entries are still being taken and can be made via runABC South here. On the day entries, if available, will cost £40 for the Bewl 15 (£25 for the Bewl 5). Cash prizes of £100 for the Bewl 15 rise to £250 if the course record is broken (Men: 1:25:58/Women: 1:37:25).

Results and previous reports are at the runABC South race listing here.

Library photo courtesy Wadhurst Runners/Nice Work