Event Guide for
Leonardslee Gardens events
Your safety and event enjoyment are of the utmost importance to us.
Please take some time to read through our Event Guide ahead of the event.
Date and Timing
Heritage Trail Series at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens takes places Sunday 26 April and Sunday 2 August 2026.
Please arrive 45 mins before your start time.
- The 5km and 10km will start together at 9am; (Canicross will start at 8.55am)
PLEASE NOTE - THERE WILL NOT BE A TANNOY SYSTEM for announcements at the start.
Start and Finish
The start and finish will be in the main event field. Please follow signs from within the Leonardslee Gardens estate to the field.
Please note there will not be toilets near the start; toilets can be found by the Clocktower Cafe and outside the main entrance to Leonardslee Gardens.
Start Area
We will not have start corrals but please note that the route follows a narrow path quite early into the event, so if you want to run for a good time please position yourself close to the front of the start corral as passing people in the first 400m will be limited.
Canicross runners: We are setting you off ahead of the main bulk of runners. Please be aware that you may be caught by some faster runners so keep an eye out for runners who wish to pass you.
Collecting Your Number
Running numbers must be collected from the main event field. THEY WILL NOT BE POSTED. Running numbers will be allocated according to surname. You can collect friends / family numbers.
PLEASE NOTE: These will be available to collect from 8am. Please try to arrive in good time to avoid large queues.
Parking Included
This year, parking is included in the price.
It's a 10 minute walk from the car park to the start area so please arrive in plenty of time.
Please ensure you have your run ticket / spectator tickets available to show any staff on the entrance who may ask for proof of entry.
Spectator Passes
Leonardslee Gardens has kindly agreed to reduce the entrance fee for spectators and still allow full access to the Gardens and play areas after the event has finished.
Spectator passes can be purchased pre-event at a discounted fee. Spectators can also pay on event day to access the Gardens but will need to pay full price.
Spectator passes will be emailed to you. Please print and bring with you.
If you and your family are members of Leonardslee Gardens you do not need to pay for spectator passes.
Book here
Info Area
If you have any queries please head to our main event field and the race pack collection tent.
Cupless event / water
There won't be any cups available so please bring your own drinks bottle.
Drinking water will be available from taps for all at the Start. There will also be bottled water after 5km which will be as you re-enter the main event field.
Toilets
As part of our efforts to remain as sustainable as possible, we will not be hiring in event toilets. Leonardslee Gardens are used to have 1,000’s of visitors daily and have ample facilities.
There is a big block of toilets by the entrance to the Gardens, and toilets by the cafe within the grounds. Please arrive early in case of queues to use the toilets.
Baggage
We will have a baggage area next to the start line where you can leave your bags but the area will not be secure. If you have any valuables please leave them in your car or with a friend / family member. We will not be held responsible for any lost or misplaced items left in the baggage area.
Finish Area
The event will finish in the main event field. You will be given a finisher medal by our volunteer team.
If you feel unwell after your 10km or 5km, please seek medical assistance from the First Aid team at the finish.
Location
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is located at :
Brighton Road
Lower Beeding
Horsham
RH13 6PP
The Route
Please find the route map for the event here.
The Leonardslee 10km route is over two laps, and the 5km is over one lap.
Both routes will be well marked out with signs on every turn and at regular intervals along the straight sections of the route. Volunteers and event staff will be placed on key junctions.
Please be warned that the route is hilly and in some places it may be quicker to walk. There are also some long or steep downhill sections which can be slippy.
Overall our advice is to enjoy your journey around Leonardslee Gardens and leave your PB for another day!
Safety
Trained First Aiders will be in place at the start, finish and on the route. If you become injured on the route or stop and need assistance, please try and locate the nearest course marshal or volunteer.Please note that as this is a trail event, some of the course will be uneven underfoot and potentially slippy if it has been wet in recent days. Please take care and wear trail running shoes.
- Please be considerate to the gardens and other users at all times. Please do not litter and take any drinks bottles or wrappers with you to a bin.
- Take care on uneven terrain – whether on grass, trails or paths. Please be mindful of other participants, visitors to the garden, children, dogs, wildlife, garden maintenance teams.
- Please ensure that you are fit enough to walk, jog, run the distance.
What Should I Wear?
The gardens are very well protected from the elements but the English weather can be very unfair. Our suggestion is to plan for all types of weather.
50% of the route is on hard packed gravel or tarmac paths, suitable for all types of running shoe.
50% of the route is off-road on grass and through woodland and best suited to off-road trainers.
The route drains very well - however, if it is raining while the event is taking place or there has been rain overnight / heavy rain during the week then the route will be slippy and muddy in places.
We would therefore recommend you wear trail running shoes to take part in Heritage Trail Series. The route can accommodate road running shoes but please be warned that there may be sections where you will need to walk if you do not have shoes with good grip.
Headphones
We are very happy for you to run with headphones but please be aware that they impact our ability to communicate with you.
Canicross / running with dogs
START TIME
Canicross runners will start 5mins before the main block of runners have started.
For the non-dog lovers amongst us please respect that it is not often that people can do an event with their dog.
ON THE LEAD AT ALL TIMES
Control of your dog is required at all times.
- Dog on leads at all times and keep the lead short.
- Please note: If you come with an with extendable lead you will be provided a short lead upon entry, with a £10 refundable deposit. Your extendable lead will be returned after your visit.
- At any ‘pinch points’ or busy areas on the route, PLEASE refrain from overtaking unless it is safe for you AND YOUR DOG to do so. Consider other runners BEFORE any competitiveness and rash decision making.
- If a situation occurs the owner of the dog will be held responsible.
INSURANCE
- The rightful owner of a dog is required to have liability insurance (or family insurance) for any damages that their dog may commit, or injuries that the dog may cause.
- The event will be covered by public liability insurance as standard.
- We do not accept any liability for damage caused to third party property by our competitors dogs or the competitors themselves.
- We also will not accept any liability for injury caused to third parties by our competitors or their dogs.
WELFARE
- We advise you build your dog’s distance up over several weeks/months.
- Always carry water with you just in case it is needed and suitable dog drinking vessel.
- Familiarise yourself with your dog’s normal behaviour while running, prior to the event. If at any time they show any signs they are struggling or pulling to one side, immediately find shade and stop and give them some water.
VENUE RULES
Please clean up after your dog and dispose of their mess using biodegradable bags. Please place in the doggie bins located in the gardens.
- Dogs are not allowed in The Clocktower Kitchen and Leonardslee House. Guide dogs only. Dogs are welcome in the Courtyard Café and Doll’s House Museum.
