Phoenix Running West Sussex - 0000 The Start

0000 - The Start
This is for entry into our first event of the year - 0000 The Start.

Phoenix Running and Phoenix Running West Sussex have teamed up to bring you the most unique series of events (party) in the running calendar. On New Year's Eve come and run the last event of the year and finish before the stroke of midnight, (see separate entry) you can then run this first event of 2026. Or just run this one as a stand alone event which starts at the first strike of midnight, although you can choose to start at time of your choice. Run one event or do the double, you decide.

We will be hosting these races at the stunning Ardingly Reservoir.

Fancy dress is encouraged - come and run and have some New Year fun. Where else can you run the last event of the year followed by the first event of the year and with and with a real party atmosphere.

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 5km, 3.28 mile, out and back, course in the around the edge of the reservoir. 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 and everyone gets the fabulous bespoke finisher's medal.

We also operate our uniquely flexible 'rock up and run' start times so that you can start when you like after midnight.

You don't have to decide in advance if you're going to run an Ultra marathon or a 5k as your last race of the year. The beauty of this format is that you simply come and run a lap and see how you feel on the day/night and keep on going if it feels right.

All runners must run with a head torch.