The event has been going for several years and consists of two diffeent race distances; the shorter slug of around eight miles and the longer slog which is a half-marathon of 13.2 miles.

The grounds of the house make for an ideal start and finish point, particularly this year in unseasonally-superb weather.

Both race routes are over some rough terrain, mostly off-road with a few challenging hills, all run in beautiful Hampshire and Sussex countryside.

This is the main appeal of the race, which attracts participants form clubs in the immediate area and beyond, all of whom are keen to take in the stunning scenery the routes offer.

In the main event, Neil McAlpine finished sixth overall and first in for the club in a time of 1hr 26min 55sec, narrowly beating a vastly-improved James Pennicott, who finished in 1.27.10 and who is training for the Abingdon Marathon.

It was a battle between the two for the final few miles of the race.

Next in was Kevin McGreal, who had run a five-mile cross-country race the day before. This didn't prevent him finishing in a very good time of 1.32.42. He was followed by Nick Casburn at 1.35.17, making his way back to full fitness after a short absence from training.

Colin Harley completed the Chichester Runners line-up for the slog in 1.42.32.

In the slug event, Colin's wife Lynn finished in a respectable 1.33.30.

Hopefully, these events will continue to grow and encourage other runners to take part in the future, as they form the backbone of most club events.