Phoenix West Sussex - Secret Squirrel

Join us for the exciting Phoenix West Sussex - Secret Squirrel Run, taking place on Sunday, October 18th, 2026, at the stunning Buchan Country Park in Crawley, West Sussex! Hosted by Phoenix Running West Sussex, this event is perfect for runners of all abilities, offering a flexible and inclusive atmosphere. Participants can choose from a variety of distances, including 5km, 10k, half marathon, marathon, or even ultra, all on a scenic 5.3km out-and-back course that showcases the park's breathtaking 170 acres of countryside. What makes this event truly special is the chance to earn one of twelve unique medals from previous Phoenix events—ideal for those who missed out on their favorites! With staggered start times between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and registration opening at 7:30 AM, you can enjoy a stress-free experience without the pressure of a set start time. Plus, we're introducing a 'no medal' entry option at a budget-friendly £22, allowing you to enjoy all the usual Phoenix support without the cost of a medal. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a hidden gem in Crawley while enjoying a fantastic running experience. Secure your

Phoenix Running West Sussex is inviting you to our Secret Squirrel Run at Buchan Park, Crawley, West Sussex. We have been invited to host another run at this popular location. Our feedback from other events was a collective "I didn't know there was such a hidden gem in Crawley". So come and discover Buchan Country Park which is set in 170 acres of beautiful countryside right on Crawley's doorstep and has won the Green Flag Award, which recognises the best green spaces in the UK, every year since 2010. This is one of our timed events where you choose - from 5km to 10k, half to marathon to ultra, you can complete as many, or as few, laps as you like of a 5.3km, 3.28 mile, out and back, course in the beautiful Buchan Country Park. We welcome all abilities of runner - complete one lap and you're both a finisher and a winner in our eyes, or keep going and see how far you can get in the full 7 hour time limit. At this event you will get the option to choose from any one of our previous medals, so if there is one you liked the look of but missed then this is your chance to have it. Hence the name of the run as you will have 12 medals to choose from. We also operate our uniquely flexible 'rock up and run' start times, so no waiting around if you arrive early and no added pressure if you're running a bit late.  If you have any special start time requirements then just get in touch because depending on the distance you are planning to run we can pretty much accommodate all start time requests. Whilst Phoenix Running West Sussex is very much about the bling and our medals are second to none, we're also acutely conscious that events can be expensive to enter and times are tough right now.  To do our bit we're trailing a 'no medal' entry option at a flat £22.  We cover our base costs, you get a run with all the usual Phoenix support, epic aid station, same day results published, athletes profiles, Phoenix World, digital BIBs, digital finishers certificates, etc, etc but without a medal we can keep the price low for this entry option. Not sure?  Well the beauty of this format is that you don't even need to decide your distance in advance - simply come and run a lap and see how you feel on the day and keep on going if it feels right. Places will be strictly limited so don't leave it too late to enter. We encourage the use of public transport for this event. From Bewbush on route 3, 23 or 200 and get off at Dorsten Square, from Broadfield and Crawley Station on route 1 or Fastway 10 and get off at Pelham Drive. Staggered starts : 08:00 to 10:00 (registration open from 7.30am). Off road, compact trail. Minimum distance is 3.1 miles (5k) or as far as you can go in 7 hours.