Beating of The Bounds | Chailey Sussex

Beating of The Bounds
The Annual Community Relay Race

Established in 1976
This ancient tradition was a way of remembering boundaries in the days before maps.

REGISTER YOUR TEAM

VIEW THE COURSE

MEET THE COMMITTEE

STEWARDS WANTED! - click here to email us

1. THE TEAM CHALLENGE IS BACK !

9th May 2026

The route is divided into 2 half's which both start and finish at the Five Bells in the middle of Chailey. A total of approx 24 miles! There is various sections to the race which have varying disciplines including: Cross Country Running - Mountain & Road Biking - Paddle Boat Rowing & Wheelbarrows! Your team members must be fit and capable each section is between 2 and 4 miles long with the exception of the paddle boating. Each section has a changeover point where the baton is handed over. Traditionally sticks were used along the boundary to demark our village. There will be fun commentary at the Five Bells all day thanks to Chris Farrow, Plus fun activities for spectators to enjoy including the pay per play assault course!

What does it cost to enter a team? £150 covers the whole team entry. Payable on booking.

HISTORY OF THE RACE

History of Race
1976 – First Race - fund raising for the Parish
1995 – Floundered but continued for another 2 years – Lucky because we won in 1996!
1997 – Last race - Interregnum
1998 – Call to continue with the race
2005 – Lots of interest in reinstating the race Public Meetings held between Feb – Sept

2025 - Kate Gould, Chris Farrow & Tom Stovold have established the Beating of The Bounds Committee and set the date 2nd May 2026 for the revival of this tradition!

Approx. Timeline

10am - Teams meet up at the Five Bells where refreshments are available.

10.30am - Warmup with music from Mr Motivator.

11am - First Team leaves, with 3 minutes between each other team under the watchful eye of the stewards and timekeepers.

1pm - First half finish line pause for lunch at the pub.

2pm - Second half sets off with 3 minute intervals.

4pm - Finish line at the Pub with its a knockout style assault course.

5pm - Awards (Trophy & Medals)

5.30pm - Hog Roast & Live Music Fun For All

10pm - Event Closes (Pub open until late for those wanting to party)

2. FIND YOUR TEAM

Select at least 10 members for your team. One of these must be your team captain who is nominated to shuttle team members between points. Register your team asap.

3. FUNDRAISE

Over the many years people have used this race to raise awareness and money for good causes. The choice is yours but fundraising is at the heart of the community and our selected charity is St. Peter & St. James Hospice. The cost of entry is £150 per team. Anything you raise beyond this can be given to a charity of your choosing.

4. MERCHANDICE

Each year we have a new T-shirt designed which we encourage all participants to wear. You can of course design your own if you want. The cost of these are £20. Pre order by 1st April 2026 for your shirt. (email tom@revivedinns.co.uk)