After an absent year in 2020, the Rye Ancient Trails – a totally unique and action-packed 30km and 15km race makes a welcome return to the town on September 12.
Starting outside The George, the town crier will get proceedings underway for another year, a fantastic spectacle for the visitors and local people of Rye. Runners will experience a challenging but beautifully scenic course, well marshalled by volunteers who will be cheering and clapping all the way. The multi-terrain route includes 1,500ft of climb with numerous gates and stiles to be negotiated – a true steeplechase.
The route links the churches of Rye, Iden, Beckley, Northiam and Peasmarsh. All finishers receive a stunning bespoke medal which showcases the five churches – it is certainly one that many will want to add to the collection.
Perhaps one of the most popular reasons for entering the Rye Ancient Trails is the famous aid stations on route. Water in a cup? Not this race. Previous races have seen local apple juice from Dengate’s Farm Stall on the approach to Peasmarsh, fresh bread pudding from Will’s Bakery in Northiam and even homemade biltong from The Bell as the runners dash through Iden. And at the finish, runners get a well-earned free beer from Ashford-based Curious Brewery
The race’s finishing area is where the event truly comes alight, however. Situated at Rye Sports Centre, Curious Brewery will have their beer truck, Podplus will have a massage station and shop, and there will be a cake and tea stall from the Girl Guides. All providing an atmospheric race hub for you to cheer on the runners as they cross the line.
The event is organised jointly by Nice Work and Running Forever, raising money for the Oliver Curd Trust. We’re grateful to our sponsors Curious Brewery, Knoops, T8, The Rye Cookshop and Wideye for their support. Tickets are available on the Nice Work website.
Image Credits: Chris Lawson .