Alf Shrubb Memorial
Alf Shrubb Memorial - 10k & 5k
Next Race: 13/09/2026
The marker indicates Slinfold Cricket Club where registration and pre event activities including the Childrens Races and the main race finish line is.
Following its successful relaunch in 2024, the Alf Shrubb Memorial returns to Slinfold in his honour to raise funds for local community causes.
In 2026 we are delighted to offer both 10k and 5k race options plus our two kids races and hope to announce a special guest too.
Having gone from strength to strength over the last two years, we saw entry numbers double across all distances in 2025 and reach capacity in our 10k feature race. The inaugural 5k race had well over 100 runners take part and we expect it to also reach capacity in 2026.
We looking forward to seeing everyone back again on September 13th 2026.
Why enter the Alf Shrubb Memorial?
1. You are supporting great local causes
2. The route takes place in lovely Sussex countryside
3. It's a Chip timed adult race
4. Childrens races make this an event for all the family
5. Refreshments and a fully licensed bar are available to enjoy
6. There are ladies only loos!
7. All adult race finishers get a replica world record medal
and more reasons besides!
The Alf Shrubb Memorial 10k and 5k events are Mixed Trail Races that start in Slinfold passing through the beautiful West Sussex countryside. The 10k is on two slightly different laps, see the maps provided, of local footpaths, bridleways and trails with the finish line at the local cricket club while the 5k is a single loop on the same course. It honours a local hero who was born in Slinfold and became one the greatest runners in the world. More on Alf later!
The adult races will be chip timed and led off the start line by the local fire brigade (hopefully, if circumstances permit) recreating the moment in 1899 when Alf Shrubb, in his work boots, chased after a fire engine heading to a huge blaze in Southwater. It was the moment that his running abilities were discovered.
Children’s races will take place at Slinfold Cricket Club which is the event HQ for the collection of race numbers. We'll have a professionally run warm up for the main race prior to the start and then move everyone across to the 10k start line on Clapgate Lane. The 5k race is planned to start, at the moment, on the cricket field.
Refreshments will be available on the day with tea, coffee and soft drinks being served along with obligatory cakes. The cricket club fully licensed bar will also be open.
“Where Legends are born”
Alf Shrubb was born in Slinfold in 1879. In 1901 he became all England champion at the 25th National cross-country championship, covering the 10 miles in 63.45.8, winning by 350 yards. Two years later, he smashed the three mile record in a time of 14:17:6 - a record that would last for 29 years. By the end of the 1904 season, Shrubb held the world records at 1 ½, 2, 3 and 4 mile distances and on November 5 1905 he broke seven world records in one evening in Glasgow.
A pair of Alf Shrubb running shoes are kept in the local Horsham Museum and will be on display in the Cricket Club on the day of the race.
All profits are being shared across local Slinfold Village causes and we welcome additonal donations and sponsorship.
Awards
All finishers of the adult race will receive a Medal.
We will also have individual awards across age groups and for the top male and female Slinfold residents.
Location
Directions
Free parking will be available and we’ll issue details a few weeks before the event. For environmental reasons please consider car sharing, walking or cycling to our Event. Slinfold is just off the Downs Link so you can access the village safely without needing to ride all the way on main roads.
Make sure you follow our Facebook page to get up to date information on all the arrangements.
