The Winter Night Run is back for a second year as part of Cowdray’s ‘Run The Seasons’ series.

We have a special night-time run, starting at the Cowdray Ruins and followed by warming drinks, soup, and delicious snacks at the Cowdray Heritage Visitor Centre.  Both routes are through the park area and around the river. Joining us on the night will be musicians ‘Two for Tea‘ playing some Christmas favourites to get everyone in the festive spirit.

Runners will have the choice of taking on either a 10km, 5km or dog-friendly course across the world famous polo lawns at night to the illuminated ruins, before returning to the Walled Garden and heritage site. This year thanks to overwhelming popularity we are excited to introduce a kids race (6-11yrs 3km at £10) and a juniors race (12-15 5km at £15). The route is more or less flat apart from a couple of gradual climbs.  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 head torches are mandatory to illuminate the trails and especially the river trail which can get quite high depending on weather conditions. 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!

The course will be marked/marshalled with reflective signs, glow sticks and the brilliant Sussex Search & Rescue Team.

We are also delighted to have the local Langham Brewery joining us to run a bar on the night.

Overall winners are decided on a points system based on their finishing position. The series finale will be an evening run followed by a BBQ on the lawns. Each event will have a unique medal, that can be built into an interlocking 4-piece set.

Sign up here and enjoy running under the stars this Winter!