Discover the hidden gem of Buchan Country Park in Crawley with Phoenix Running West Sussex's Secret Squirrel Run, an inviting race that celebrates nature and community. Set across 170 acres of stunning countryside, this park has earned a Green Flag Award every year since 2010 for its exceptional green spaces. The event offers flexibility like no other, allowing runners to choose their distance from a variety of options: 5km, 10k, half marathon, or even an ultra-distance challenge. The course is a scenic out-and-back route that spans 3.28 miles (5.3 km), giving participants the freedom to complete as many laps as they desire within a generous seven-hour window. Whether you're aiming for just one lap or pushing your limits with multiple circuits, this race caters to all abilities and paces. The event's unique "rock up and run" start times mean there’s no need to stress about timing; simply arrive anytime between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM (registration opens at 7:30 AM) and get started when you’re ready. Phoenix Running West Sussex is known for its impressive medals, but this event introduces a new option—a "no medal" entry priced at £22. This allows participants to enjoy all the race’s amenities without the cost of a physical finisher's award. Amenities include real-time results published on the day and digital certificates available post-event. Public transport is encouraged for this eco-friendly run, with convenient routes from Bewbush (Routes 3, 23, or 200) to Dorsten Square, Broadfield (Route 1), and Crawley Station (Fastway 10) all stopping at Pelham Drive. Join us in Buchan Country Park for a day of scenic running, supportive camaraderie, and the chance to explore one of West Sussex’s best-kept secrets. Registration is limited, so secure your spot early to ensure you can experience this unique event firsthand. For those looking to push their limits further or simply enjoy a leisurely run through picturesque trails, Phoenix Running's Secret Squirrel Run offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and athletic freedom.
Races Offered
Affiliated
Oct 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Affiliated
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
£37.95
No Medal - Affiliated
Oct 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
No Medal - Affiliated
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
£20.00
No Medal - Unaffiliated
Oct 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
No Medal - Unaffiliated
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
£22.00
Unaffiliated
Oct 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Unaffiliated
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
£39.95
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Crawley.
thermostatTemperature
9.5° / 15.3°
wb_sunnyFeels like
6.6° / 12.6°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
6h 3m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
3.1 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
14.4 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.8)
humidity_mid
Humidity
85.2%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:25
nightlight
Sunset
18:06
About Crawley
Learn more about the host city, Crawley.
Crawley is a bustling town of 119,000 people (2021) in the northern part of West Sussex, on the border with Surrey, in the South East of England. The biggest influence on the town is Gatwick Airport, which many people claiming it to being the 6th-busiest airport in the world.
