WIDELY regarded as one of the finest trail races in the South East, the Eridge Park 10, which took place on Sunday, is an extremely hilly 10-miler covering some of the most challenging terrain the area has to offer.

Set in England's oldest deer park, this stunning venue presents a rare opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Eridge Estate, normally closed to the public. Organised by local club Tunbridge Wells Harriers and sponsored by Cotswolds Outdoors, it is now in its 11th year and is fast growing in popularity, owing to the immaculate organisation, breathtaking route and friendly atmosphere.

Race director Allan Cheek had designed a new, more challenging course for 2009, making it even tougher than ever.

This year, organisers were delighted to welcome former European Cross Country Champion Hayley Higham (formerly Yelling) to be the special VIP guest, as she started the race and then lined up alongside the record number of entrants in perfect autumnal weather conditions.

Local Tonbridge Athletic Club athlete Will Levett put the hammer down straight from the start, though, and didn't look back. He obliterated the field and took the win on the new course in a superb 1hr 02min 11sec.

"That was such a tough race," he said. "Those hills were killers, but absolutely fantastic. A really well marked-out course and well marshalled. What an excellent race!"

Next over the line in a great time of 1.07.52 was Andrew Reeves, of Serpentine Running Club, followed by Pancho Gonzales-Diaz, of Black Sheep Runners (who also won the men's team prize) in 1.09.25.

First home for the host club, Tunbridge Wells Harriers, was Colin Edwards in fourth place (1.09.39).

Unsurprisingly, first woman home was Hayley Higham (Green Dot Gardeners) in fifth place overall and in an incredible 1.10.56. "That was so much harder than I ever imagined", she said. "Those hills were brutal!"

Despite winning in superb style, Higham generously passed on her first place prize to second woman Jane Fanning, of Serpentine RC, who improved improved on last year's fifth with a superb 1.15.33, just beating her husband to the line in a sprint finish. Third woman, and still in a great time of 1.17.08, was five-times Eridge winner Tina Oldershaw, of Paddock Wood AC.

"We are thrilled how much the race has grown over the last few years and the fantastic level of support for our event," said race director Allan Cheek. "We had a record number of entries this year, and the feedback on the new course has been superb, everyone reall loved it, despite the hills! "Everyone involved in this race is a volunteer and we are extremely grateful to the members of Tunbridge Wells Harriers, who work so hard to put on a superb event.

"The presence of Hayley Higham really was the icing on the cake this year and we were delighted to have her join us, she made a great race really special."

Full results can be found at www.twharriers.org.uk

Entries will open for the next Eridge Park 10 in June 2010. The award-winning Children's Mutual Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon, also organised by the Harriers, will take place on February 28. Entries are now open.