Brett Lydd 20 Mile

Race Description

Out on the flat expanse of Romney Marsh, reclaimed grazing marshland so distinct from the rest of Kent that locals have long joked the world divides into Europe, Asia, Africa, America and Romney Marsh, the Brett Lydd 20 sets off from the Banks Sports and Social Club on an out-and-back route along wide, quiet lanes with barely any climbing at all. With elevation gain measured in single figures per mile, this is about as flat as English road racing gets, and it has built a loyal following among runners using it as a serious spring-marathon dress rehearsal rather than a scenic day out.

Brett, the construction materials company, has sponsored the Lydd races for close to two decades, giving the event a stability and consistency that shows in the organisation. The marsh's big skies and long sightlines mean you can often see runners strung out far ahead and behind, which some find motivating and others find a little exposing when the wind picks up off the coast; this is genuinely open country, and a headwind on the way back can undo the good work of a fast outward leg.

Proceeds support the Mayor of Lydd's Charity Fund, channelling money into local good causes. It's a race built for runners chasing a specific finishing time on tired marathon-training legs rather than those after a scenic tour, and the flat, honest course does exactly what it promises.