Dear Runners, Volunteers, Clubs, and Supporters,
Thank you for being part of such a memorable and inspiring event. Thanks to each and every one of you, this year’s race was a tremendous success.
We were delighted to welcome 313 participants, with 311finishers crossing the line. From our fastest finisher, Scott Williams in an outstanding 1:58:54, to our final finisher in 6:44:17, the day truly celebrated endurance, determination, and personal achievement.
One of the standout highlights was the excellent gender balance across the field. Of all participants, 154 male runners (49.7%) and 159 female runners (50.3%) took part, with two female runners unfortunately not finishing. This near-even split is rare in trail running and something we are incredibly proud of, reflecting the inclusive and welcoming spirit of the event.
It was fantastic to see such strong support from the local running community. Clubs including Saint Edmund Pacers, Haverhill Running Club, Moreton Hall Runners, Stowmarket Striders RC, and Newmarket Joggers were superbly represented, helping to create a vibrant and supportive atmosphere throughout.
Another standout feature was the strength of the masters field, particularly across the 40–59 age groups, highlighting the depth of experience and commitment within the event. Your dedication continues to inspire everyone involved.
Congratulations to our leading finishers:
With an average finish time of 3:56:25 and a median time of 3:41:40, the results reflect both a competitive edge and the inclusive spirit of the race, welcoming runners of all abilities, from sub2hour performances through to determined finishes approaching 7 hours.
We are also incredibly proud that the event raised £1,750 for Saint Nicholas Hospice Care, with a further £300 raised through Clare Castle Country Park’s efforts, bringing the total to around £2,000. This is a truly meaningful contribution, providing vital support for individuals and their families during endoflife care. The impact of this generosity is significant, helping to ensure comfort, dignity, and compassionate care at the moments it matters most.
A special thank you to Clare Castle Country Park for allowing us to use the Inner Bailey, for coordinating and managing parking, and for their support in making the event run so smoothly. In particular, we are very grateful to Sarah and Yvette for coordinating the transport, ensuring participants were efficiently transferred to the start line.
Most importantly, thank you to our volunteers, marshals, sponsors, and supporters. Your time, effort, and enthusiasm make this event possible, and we are truly grateful. A special mention goes to Head Marshal Sarah Pennock, whose tireless efforts in running around and coordinating the marshal team ensured everything operated safely and smoothly throughout the day.
There are so many kindhearted people who gave their time and energy to make this event happen that it is impossible to name everyone individually, but you know who you are, and please know how deeply your support is appreciated. You helped make this a truly memorable day for everyone involved.
We hope you are as proud as we are of what was achieved together, and we look forward to welcoming you back again next year.
With sincere thanks,
Colin Lewis, Fields and Forest Trail Events.