Road
Sussex Road Running Grand Prix
What is the Sussex Road Running Grand Prix?
The Sussex Road Racing Grand Prix (SGP) is a series of road races across East and West Sussex, featuring individual and team competitions. Established in 1985 by Ron Grover and Carol Wilson of Arena 80, the SGP has been a key part of the local running calendar for nearly 40 years.
When does the Sussex Road Running Grand Prix season take place?
The competition runs from March to November each year and includes a variety of distances and terrains..
Where do events take place?
Events take place at various locations across East and West Sussex. One is the Lewes Downland 10 miles race known for its challenging hilly terrain.
Do I need to participate in every event?
Competitors can participate in as many races as they like, but only the best eight results count towards their final standing. Two of these eight results must be from 10 miles or longer races.
Best races for those nervous about hills
For runners looking for flatter courses, the Hastings 5 miles, Phoenix 10k, and Hove Prom 10k are all relatively level, making them excellent choices for those aiming to contribute to their club’s points total.
How does the Sussex Grand Prix award points?
For individuals, the Sussex Grand Prix awards points per race, with the top six results counted towards the final ranking. There are end-of-season awards for the top three finishers in each age and gender category, up to V9. In 2024, Lewes AC’s Bob Hughes won the V9 ‘gold’ title.
The top 20 men and women are also recognised, including Lewes AC’s Helen Bowman in 2024.
For clubs, the scoring system mirrors that of the West Sussex Fun Run League. Runners in the top 10% of finishers earn 10 points, those in the next 10% get 9 points, and so on down to 1 point.
In 2024, Lewes AC had limited representation in the team competition but secured second place at the Phoenix AC 10k. Later in the season, the club took first place at the Lewes 10 Mile Trail event, demonstrating its strength on hilly courses.
How does the Sussex Road Running Grand Prix award prizes?
Prizes are awarded based on consistent performance across multiple races. The more races you enter, the better your chance of securing an individual or team prize. Points are accumulated throughout the season, making endurance and strategy key to success.
2025 Sussex Road Running Grand Prix Fixtures
- Race 1 | Sunday 23rd March – Hastings Half
- Race 2 | Sunday 4th May – Haywards Heath 10 miles
- Race 3 | Sunday 11th May – Horsham 10k
- Race 4 | *Sunday 18th May – Rye 10 miles
- Race 5 | Sunday 1st June – Hastings 5 miles
- Race 6 | Sunday 15th June – Heathfield 10k
- Race 7 | Sunday 6th July – Bewl 15
- Race 8 | Wednesday 16th July – Phoenix 10k
- Race 9 | Sunday 28th September – Hellingly 10K
- Race 10 | Sunday 5th October – Lewes 10 miles
- Race 11 | Sunday 19th October – Hove Prom 10K
- Race 12 | Sunday 2nd November – Crowborough 10K
*Note: The Sussex Grand Prix may replace The Rye 10 miles race
The SGP prioritises races overseen by local clubs, ensuring they benefit from the income generated. Chip timing specialists like Nice Work managed some races and, in 2024, offered club runners discounts on SGP race entries.
Keep up to date with the 2025 Sussex Road Running Results here
How can I sign up?
Bob Hughes is the Club’s Sussex Road Running Grand Prix representative. He can answer your questions and provide guidance. You can email him at bob.hughes@bcs.org or call him at 01273 476 327.
Sussex Road Relays
- The event took place on the 30th March 2024 at Preston Park, Brighton. View the results here.
South of England Athletics Association Road Relays
The South of England Athletics Association Road Relay Championships (SEAA Championships) took place on Saturday 21st September 2024 in Aldershot.
Read our 2024 Southern England Road Relays Run Report here
Want to take part next year?
Teams include: Senior Men / Women, V40s, V50s, V60s and consist of 4 or 6 members running approximately 6km each.
For more information, email Dave Leach at davebmclewes@gmail.com
The Sussex Road Race Challenge
This Road Race Challenge is specifically aimed at promoting, developing and rewarding competitive road racing among the county’s best distance runners. Prior to the pandemic the challenge consisted of six road races selected to form part of the Challenge. Club teams and individuals must compete in three of the six races to score points. Lewes AC athletes and the club compete successfully as part of this competition.
However since the pandemic and the cancellation of many of the races that made up the Road Race Challenge the future of this event is being considered.