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Lewes Athletic Club Year in Review: Success through enjoyment (2025)
2025 will be remembered as the year when members across age groups said, Yes, I can! From muddy cross-country courses in the depths of winter to beginners’ group graduates taking on hilly half-marathons for the first time. Also, international honours, record-breaking performances, and fun-filled, community events (remember the summer sack race?). Lewes AC embraced team spirit and a sense of fun and enjoyment across every discipline while staying true to its inclusive, supportive ethos.
Cross Country Dominance
The year began with Lewes AC stamping its authority on the winter leagues. January saw the club secure first place at the icy ESSCCL Blackcap race, setting the tone for a hugely successful campaign. Momentum continued with team captain Sally Norris encouraging strong showings across this league and the Sussex Cross Country League, including gritty performances at SCCL Stanmer Park and ESSCL Whitbread Hollow.
The crowning moment arrived in April when Lewes AC became East Sussex Sunday Cross Country League Champions, a reward for fantastic effort and team spirit across the season.
The club carried that strength into autumn, launching the 2025/26 cross-country season in commanding fashion at the SCCL in Goodwood, hosting a successful ESSCCL Blackcap fixture, and regularly fielding large, competitive teams well into December.
Road Racing, Marathons and Ultra Success
Lewes AC athletes were ever-present on roads and trails throughout the year. Highlights included standout performances at the Chichester 10K and Brighton 10K. In the Sussex Road Running Grand Prix, veterans including Karin Divall and Bob Hughes impressed with category wins at the Hastings 5 Miles and Hellingly 10K.
Spring marathon season delivered unforgettable moments. From strong club representation at the Brighton Marathon and 10K to ten runners conquering a warm London Marathon, Lewes AC athletes showed a can-do approach. The Moyleman Marathon and Half Marathon brought local glory, while trail runners turned out in force at events like the Weald Challenge Half Marathon.
Congratulations to long-time member Joshua Burgess, who, after 18 months of hard training, including three marathon blocks involving running 160k a week, broke the Lewes AC marathon record with an incredible time of 2:23:53 at the Valencia Marathon in December.
Ultra running raised eyebrows in 2025. A double podium finish for Lewes AC women at the UltraLtd 50k was followed by international recognition, with Thomas Roach selected for the GB & NI Ultra Short Trail Team. The year’s most phenomenal achievement came in October when Sarah Webster smashed the world 24-hour record, becoming world champion in a performance that resonated far beyond the club.
Track, Field and Technical Excellence
Lewes AC continued to excel on the track and in the field. Young academy athletes impressed with podium places and PBs at Sportshall competitions, while masters athletes delivered stellar performances at the British Indoor Masters Championships.
Technical events were a particular strength in 2025. The club celebrated national success in pole vault, with Gemma Tutton selected for the GB & NI squad at the European Team Championships.
Race walkers also enjoyed a standout year, with young athletes shining at the English Championships and international competitors tackling the centenary National 100-Mile Race Walk Championship hosted at our very own track in Lewes.
Fun Runs, Community and Club Spirit
Beyond competition, Lewes AC’s heart lies in its community. The club hosted a hugely successful West Sussex Fun Run League Easter Monday 10K, Fun Run and Toddler Trot, alongside popular events such as the Lewes Downland races, which also counted towards the Sussex Grand Prix. Beyond that, Lewes AC hosted a fun-filled Summer Party Sports Day, and a record number of runners participated in our 4th Annual Lewes Downland Santa Run. Elsewhere, the French Exchange Weekend with AC Marolles brought smiles and cemented friendship, while initiatives like Let’s Lift the Curfew and She Runs Lewes reinforced the club’s commitment to inclusivity and support.
Remembrance and Reflection
2025 was also a year of remembrance. The club honoured much-loved coach Andrea Ingram with a memorial plaque on a gate near Mount Harry, commemorating her legendary 8am Sunday run from Lewes to Ditchling Beacon, come rain or shine. Members also said goodbye to Graham Shuttleworth, who made a huge contribution to the club’s early foundations, and to esteemed and treasured coaches Toby Wolpe and Angela Brinkhurst. These moments of reflection underscored the deep bonds within Lewes AC and the lasting impact of those who helped shape the club.
A Thank You to Our Volunteers
2025 WSFRL Easter 10k Refreshments
None of this success would be possible without the wonderful commitment of the volunteers who gave their time, energy and good humour throughout the year. From those who organise and deliver our races, marshal courses and man car parks in all weathers, to the bakers who keep us fuelled with homemade cakes, your efforts underpin everything the club does. Our coaches, run leaders, and team captains generously share their expertise and enthusiasm, helping athletes of all ages and abilities believe in themselves and enjoy the journey. To everyone who quietly gets things done, steps up when needed and helps make Lewes AC such a welcoming, supportive and special club… thank you.
A Club Moving Forward
As the year closes, Lewes AC not only celebrates its competitive success but also its status as a thriving, welcoming community. From league titles and world records to youth development, veteran success and shared remembrance, 2025 showcased everything that makes Lewes Athletic Club special.
With an unwavering goal of success through enjoyment, Lewes AC moves into 2026 excited for what lies ahead.