Permit No ARC/26/0334 

INFORMATION AND ADVICE FOR RUNNERS /SUPPORTERS

Fittleworth Flyers welcomes you back to the Flyers5@Thakeham WSFRL trail event. 

1. ABOUT THE COURSE

The Start line is at the northern side of the field. Going around the field you will then follow the path/bridleway around to ‘Little Strawberry Lane, following the same figure of 8 loop as last year, finishing on the football field behind the main hall. A map of the course will be available to be viewed in the main hall along with the Risk Assessment. Please take the opportunity to make yourself familiar with them. There will be route markers along the way with marshals at key points. Please follow their instructions.

Due to the tweaks the course is 5+ miles. Comprising of a varied mix of concrete roads, lanes, quiet country roads, a small section along the B2133, public footpaths and bridleways. The concrete roads are patchy, very uneven, in places potholed and likely in some areas debris on them. The footpaths and bridleways will take you through farm fields and woodland trails. Being    March it is likely some paths and bridleways may be deeply rutted by farm tractors, horse and cattle hooves, containing mud and water. Areas through woodland section will have the usual variety of hazards, holes, roots, branches and fallen trees. We will endeavour to clear obstacles along the route prior to the event but changes could occur. Being a rural area you will encounter gates, stiles, and kissing gates. Please be aware as you enter from the field into Thakeham itself you come on to the road at the farm entrance, immediately on the left is a Cattle Grid. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RUN OVER IT. Follow the marshals instructions, use the gate. Please take extra caution on some fields there could be livestock present, many have barbed wire running along the top of fence lines and may be hidden within the hedgerows. Where possible we will open gates.

REMEMBER we will be running on public routes so may encounter people and animals along the way. The safety of all using the public rights of way is everyones responsibility. Runners must comply with the highway and countryside codes and follow the instructions of officials and marshals. To minimise any risk, runners must behave in a manner that is safe for themselves and all others, participating at their own risk. Runners must rely on their own ability to adapt their running when dealing with all hazards considering the terrain and situation at all times.

2. FIRST AID

This year we have two teams of medics, one based at the venue and the second mobile, this ensures we have better coverage during the race. If you feel unwell during the race (or even before) please report to one of the marshals or Medics. The reverse of your number has space for your medical information and emergency contact details, you are advised to complete them or failure to do so will be at your own risk. If you carry any form of medication with you whilst running for a condition please ensure you note this on the form and where it can be found if needed. If you have any underlying medical issues or carrying medication please put a RED ‘X’ on the front of your number to alert the medics. Red felt tip pens can be found at Race HQ.

3. RESTRICTIONS

The wearing of headphones (including bone conductors) is forbidden. Any runners found wearing them will be asked for their number and disqualified. Due to the nature of the route it would not be suitable for less abled runners or under 16’s. No Dogs or buggies.

4. ENTRY FEES

Entry this year will be £5.00. Please note we will be accepting advance entries, no later than 17th March 2026.There will be Entries on the day at £10 whilst numbers are available. Numbers are capped at 450.

5. LOCATION

Thakeham Village Hall. 1 Abingworth Crescent, Thakeham, Pulborough, West Sussex.RH20 3GW, ///aviators.elbow.perplexed. Entrance to the hall is at the rear through the glass Bi-Fold doors, not the main entrance. Race HQ, number collection and refreshments can be found in the main hall.

6. DIRECTIONS/PARKING

Like many clubs parking has become an increasing problem and limited. Please could you car share where possible. There are some areas where parking is available in and around our venue. Coming from the north down the B2139 along the Coolham Road towards Storrington as you go through the cutting you will continue past a road on the left sign posted to Thakeham and sign for the White Lion. Look out for the Fittleworth Flyers Logo above the Event Parking signage just after the derelict industrial buildings on the right and follow the instructions of the marshals. When approaching from the South along the B2139 towards Coolham along Storrington Road you will pass the Thakeham Village sign on your left. Continue up the hill and drive through the cutting you will see a traffic calming restriction ahead, just before, turn right into Abingworth Crescent look for the Fittleworth Flyers Logo Event Parking signs and follow on to the marshals. Please follow the instructions of the marshals. PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON ANY PAYMENTS OR GRASS VERGES. There will be some designated on road parking if needed, only where directed to by the marshal.

7. FACILITIES

There is a Children’s Play Area just behind the hall. Within the village hall No Muddy /Dirty shoes, please leave outside. Everyone will use the entrance at the rear entrance through the glass Bi Fold doors facing the field. In the main hall you will find Race HQ for Club number collection and entries on the day (Card only payment) and refreshments where hot drinks, homemade cakes and savouries will be available to purchase. Please be aware as our food is home made it may contain or come into contact with common allergens, such as dairy, eggs, wheat, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts. This list is not exhaustive.

Behind the hall near the football area you will find the Club flags and reps. Further down towards the parking area behind the children’s play area you will find the changing facilities comprising of 4 designated changing rooms, each with communal showers and toilets. There is also a disabled facility. Although in the main hall people will be around during the race, if you choose to leave personal possessions in the hall or the changing rooms during the run, they are left at your own risk we take no responsibility.

8. WSFRL CLUB ENTRIES

Please enter your entries via SmartRs by the 17th March 2026. Number collection from Race HQ on the day, Within the number packs there will be an up to date runner briefing note. Please ensure you make your runners aware.

PAYMENT DETAILS:

Payment to:

Account name: FITTLEWORTH FLYERS

Sort Code: 23-05-80

Account Number: 47624479

In the reference field please enter ‘F5 and your Club Name’. Payments no later than 18th March 2026.

POST RACE CHANGES, QUERIES or ENTRIES ON THE DAY

Those wanting to enter on the day, amend entires after the cut off, all can be done at Race HQ.

Entires on the day by Card or Cash.