Following the success of last seasons races, Cowdray and Raw Running are all set for the 2024/25 Series of “Run the Seasons" at Cowdray.”
The Winter Night Run is back for a second year, as part of Cowdray’s ‘Run The Seasons’ series and it will celebrate all things Christmassy as it coincides with Cowdray’s Xmas Fare at the Farm Shop. We have a special night-time run through the park area (mostly flat) and once you finish you can relax with a warm cup of mulled wine & hot food. Runners will have the choice of taking on either a 10km, 5km or dog-friendly canicross course across the world famous polo lawns at night to the illuminated ruins, before returning to the Cowdray Farm Shop. Unlike our tough Autumn run, this one is more or less flat apart from a gradual climb at the finish from the castle ruins. The majority of the course is on bridleways & footpaths around the River Rother, but there are some sections on private tracks within the estate which are accessible only on race day. Footing for this run is good, depending on the weather, but YOU DO NEED a head torch to illuminate the trails – we do not recommended running without a torch. Clear skies should offer runners a unique experience as the estate lies within the South Downs National Park which is an International Dark Sky Reserve. You should be able to see familiar and unfamiliar constellations, the moon and visible planets, satellites and shooting stars – but also make sure you pay attention to where you’re running ! Night running is a fun experience and ready for the Strictly semi final or just the pub and a curry! The course will be marked/marshalled with reflective signs, glow sticks and the brilliant Sussex Search & Rescue Team who we use at all our events. There’s plenty of online advice on the best head torches to buy; entry level light head torches with 500 lumens cost around £30, but you’ll find plenty of uses for one during the winter!