Chichester's Midsummer race won't be murder for big field

Starting and finishing at Lavant Village Hall and the green, just north of Chichester, the mainly-flat course takes runners along the Lavant straight before taking in a lap of the Goodwood motor-racing circuit before returning the same way.

A field of 300-plus is expected and there were still places left as of last night. Entry forms can be obtained from the Chichester Runners website or the noticeboard at Westgate Leisure.

Runners who take a chance on entering on the day should arrive well before the 7.30pm start and will be liable for a £2 surcharge.

Organisers will be hoping for kinder weather than that which faced the competitors in the Worthing 10k, when gale-force winds along the seafront brought runners to a virtual standstill in the most exposed parts of the course.

In a competitive field James Baker had to settle for third place, bringing to an end his recent run of victories.

His time of 33min 54sec was virtually his slowest time since a teenager – because of those conditions.

Chichester athletes coming in behind Baker were top veteran Chris Jack in 19th, Andrew Moore 138th, Mark Jennings 142nd, Michael Moorcroft 238th and Sue Baker 399th.