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Here’s a shout out for Hurst College House Fundraising events.

We’ve heard from MSMW 2020 sponsors, Hurstpierpoint College, who have been doing some amazing fundraising throughout lockdown. Read on to find out more!

Senior school students from across the year groups have been following the school mantra Work hard, do good and engage whilst having fun by taking part in house fundraising events from home during the lockdown learning period.

Fundraising for Brighton and Sussex Hospitals.

The girls from Martlet House produced a Lockdown Cookbook, compiled from recipes they enjoyed making, to raise funds for the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Charitable Funds. They smashed their target of £500 three times over by raising more than £1500 and each person who donated was sent an electronic copy of the cookbook. A representative from the charity said: “Thanks to everyone who was involved with the Lockdown Cookbook. It is wonderful to have the support of people like you particularly at this time with staff on the front line working so hard to keep us safe. This great idea has raised a tasty sum!”

Quiz night for the NHS.

Star Housemaster Owain Jones organised a quiz night for the boys and their families which raised more than £640 for NHS Charities Together.

Do good challenge.

There was also a ‘do good’ challenge, when the boys were asked to do something kind for other people and the winner delivered food packages on his quad bike to the vulnerable people in his community.

Ultra marathon for NSPCC.

The girls of Pelican House are in the final week of their virtual fundraising challenge of walking, running, cycling, riding or swimming from the old Pelican House to John O’Groats and returning to the new Pelican House. This 2344km (1456 miles) ultra marathon is in aid of the NSPCC (partners of the Mid-Sussex Marathon) and Rise – so far £600 has been raised for the NSPCC and £1630 for Rise. Eight girls across the year groups have also been making face masks for patients of the Agora Fertility Clinic in Brighton. Head Guardian Jessie explained: “Pelican decided to fundraise for these charities because both protect those who suffer from domestic abuse, which is a particularly important issue during lockdown. National statistics have shown a huge increase in violence with 49% more calls to the national domestic abuse helpline. The NSPCC was chosen as a nationwide organisation focusing on children in abusive and violent homes; and Rise as a local Brighton-based charity, which focuses on helping all those affected by domestic abuse in Sussex.”

1000KM for Save the Children.

Wolf girls also opted for a charity walk, run, swim, cycle or ride but they chose the more traditional route from John O’Groats to Lands End, covering 1000km in three days. Fifty students and staff covered 20km each and their target of raising £1000 for Save the Children, which equalled £1 for every kilometre covered, was well and truly beaten, totalling almost £1200 to date.

1000 Miles for Burgess Hill Food Bank.

Not to be outdone, the staff body launched the Hurst Staff Charity Challenge and set themselves an original target of travelling 1000 miles by running, walking, cycling, rowing or swimming to raise £1000 for the Burgess Hill Community Food Bank, which supports local families in need. As the number of miles ramped up swiftly, the target was reassessed and raised to 2000 miles and then again to 4000 miles. More than 60 staff have contributed miles so far.

We think you are all incredible and deserve to be very proud of your achievements, congratulations from the MSMW 2020 team!

Support Our Charity Partner, NSPCC!

MAKE A CHANGE TO THE NSPCC TODAY!

All you need to do is Sign up now to one of our races and set up a just giving page to start raising funds for NSPCC.

Every mile and every pound really will make a difference. If you would like an NSPCC t-shirt to wear during your challenge, please email sussex@nspcc.org.uk and we will send one to you!

Here’s Why….

PROTECTING CHILDREN TODAY, PREVENTING ABUSE TOMORROW.

Child abuse is preventable, not inevitable. That’s why, every day, NSPCC work to protect children, prevent abuse and make child abuse a thing of the past. As the UK’s leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse, they’ve remained committed to this mission for over 100 years.

But all this is only possible with your support. As an independent charity, which receives around 90% of its funding from supporters, NSPCC rely on the support of people like you to make sure they can keep every child who needs them safe. Every pound raised and every penny received will help make sure they can reach more children.

Find out more about what you can do.

Burgess Hill 5K & 10K

The final day of Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is usually situated in the fast growing town of Burgess Hill!

Burgess Hill is a town and civil parish located in the Mid Sussex District of West Sussex, England, close to the border with East Sussex, on the edge of the South Downs National Park.

This year, you may not be able to run The Burgess Hill 10K but can still complete the event virtually and will be awarded the Burgess Hill Medal for completing either a 10 K or 5 K. Alternatively, you might like to try the 1 Mile or the 1K Family Fun Run!

Complete the distance in any location near to you, or even at home if you can’t go out. You can run, walk, skip or cycle your chosen distance!

The choice is yours!

Earn your quality medal, raise money for your chosen charity, get outdoors and challenge yourself!

Sign up now, you have until 28th June 2020 to enter and until 1st July 2020 to complete your distance!

If you live in the Burgess Hill area, here’s a few suggestions for local places to run and walk;

Before setting off, do check they are open and remember to follow the latest government advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Take a look back at our photo’s from last years events!

Supported by;

Hayward’s Heath 10 Miles & 5 Miles

Day 2 of The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend usually takes place in the thriving town of Hayward’s Heath, in the heart of Mid Sussex. Here we start in the lovely Victoria Park and runners continue through beautiful rural lanes and secluded woodland paths.

 The Town can trace it’s origins back to 1544 but the completion of the London and Brighton Railway Line in 1841 marked the rapid expansion of Hayward’s Heath.

This year, you may not be able to run The Hayward’s Heath 10 Mile but can still complete the event virtually and will bag the Hayward’s Heath Medal for completing either a 10 Mile or 5 Mile. Alternatively, you might like to try the 1 Mile or the 1K Family Fun Run!

Complete the distance in any location near to you, or even at home if you can’t go out. You can run, walk, skip or cycle your chosen distance!

The choice is yours!

Sign up now, you have until 28th June 2020 to enter and until 1st July 2020 to complete your distance!

If you live in the Hayward’s Heath area, here’s a few suggestions for local places to run and walk;

Before setting off, do check they are open and remember to follow the latest government advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Take a look back at our photo’s from last years events!

Supported by;

East Grinstead 10 Miles & 5 Miles

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend usually kicks off in the beautiful medieval market town of East Grinstead, situated within reach of Gatwick Airport, London, Ashdown Forest and the South Coast. It is an ideal base from which to explore the South East and run the EG 10 Mile event through the historic surroundings of East Grinstead.

This year, you may not be able to run in East Grinstead but can still complete the event virtually and will be awarded the East Grinstead Medal for completing either 10 miles or 5 miles. Alternatively, you might like to try the 1 Mile or the 1K Family Fun Run!

Complete the distance in any location near to you, or even at home if you can’t go out. You can run, walk, skip or cycle your chosen distance!

The choice is yours!

Sign up now, you have until 28th June 2020 to enter and until 1st July 2020 to complete your distance!

If you live in the East Grinstead area, here’s a few suggestions for local places to run and walk;

Before setting off, do check they are open and remember to follow the latest government advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Take a look back at our photo’s from last year’s events!

Supported by;

WHAT SURFACE IS BEST FOR YOU TO RUN ON?

In this article we will cover 6 different surface types to run on and their benefits.

  • Running on pavement is ideal for fast running – there is very little danger of turning your ankle. However, consider that it maybe harder on your joints because the pavement does not cushion your steps.
  • A forest or park floor is soft and provides excellent cushioning. Try to pick a route that avoids too many roots, rocks and bumps.
  • Grass is a low-impact surface, meaning that it’s easy on your muscles and joints. Many grassy surfaces are natural, they can be uneven, so as always, do watch your step.
  • A sandy surface trains your muscles and makes you lift your feet. It’s tougher on the calf muscles, so be sure to stretch out afterwards.
  • An all-weather synthetic track surface is springy and great in all weather conditions. Check your local council website for details of tracks near you.
  • The treadmill allows you to train year round with good cushioning and ideal if you can’t leave home. Run to your favourite track to keep it interesting.

Everyone will have different preferences for their favourite surfaces to run on, explore the options and decide which one you like most. Then sign up for MSMW2020 virtual race.

How to choose your route for the MSMW2021 Virtual Race

The distance is the only requirement—everything else is up to you! Finding a good route can make your race experience even more exhilarating. Remember you can run, walk, hop or even skip and you have until the 31st of May to complete the challenge! You can do it over the traditional 3 days or any period during May, the choice is yours.

Route planning

Decide what you want from a Running Route.

It’s really up to you and what you want to achieve from the path you’re running on. If you’re interested in a challenge then hills are a great, if you’re just starting out you’re probably best with a park run or even laps of your garden.

Think of the running surface.

It’s a good idea to plan routes that take you over a variety of surfaces. Grassland, wooded trails, dirt paths as well as roads are all good running surfaces. Of course, if you are looking to run your best ever race, then you should stick to the pavement or running track.

Consider weather.

If the sun is shinning remember your sunscreen and plenty of water. Ensure you are wearing suitable footwear for the conditions and if the weather is against you, you may want to use a less exposed running route. 

Keep it interesting.

Run somewhere you like to keep it fun, interesting and even exciting.

Use Strava routes.

If you are stuck for ideas, you can find routes that runners near you have completed and also build your own route.

Do a out and back route.

If you don’t have the tech to map a route or have trouble remembering directions, an out-and-back is a simple solution. If you have a GPS watch, all you have to do is run half of the race out and then run the other half back. Knowing there is a half way point can be very helpful.

Complete the race on a treadmill.

This is a good option for people who can’t go outside right now.

If you haven’t already, Sign up for MSMW2021 Virtual Race now !

This Year’s Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend Goes Virtual!

Join us for the MSMW 2020 Virtual Race! 

This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend has been postponed. BUT we wanted to find a way to stage the event so that you can still receive the fabulous medals! 

A new MSMW Virtual Race has now been launched.  

Historically this event is held over the May Bank Holiday weekend with three races in three towns which, combined, adds up to the classic marathon distance of 26.2 miles. You can enter each race individually or, why not enter all three and take on the Marathon Challenge? Each finishers medal has the name of one of the three Mid Sussex towns and those completing the whole 26.2 miles get a 4th medal to complete the set!

So instead of having to run the marathon over a three-day weekend and working out how to travel between East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, we’ve made it a whole lot easier!

Choose Your Challenge:

The Ultimate Challenge

  • The Marathon 26.2 Miles (3 runs of 2 x 10 mile & 1 x 10k) 
  • The Half-Marathon 13.1 Miles (3 runs of 2 x 5 mile & 1 x 5k)
  • Complete the challenge and win all four medals!
  • Or why not challenge yourself and complete both?

Individual Races

  • East Grinstead 5 mile or 10 Mile
  • Haywards Heath 5 mile or 10 Mile
  • Burgess Hill 5K or 10K
  • One medal for each of the individual race distances with the name of the town

For Families

  • 1 KM Family Fun Run
  • Junior 1 Mile Run
  • Or try an individual race over a longer distance
  • Maybe even the ultimate Challenge of a marathon! 

How to complete a Virtual Event:

Participating in a virtual event means you can complete the distance at any time within the event time frame in a location of your choice. Once you have booked your place, we will send you an email with a step by step guide, it couldn’t be easier!

Rather than completing your chosen distance over a three-day weekend, you will now have 40 days to complete whichever Challenge you choose to take up. Race Dates – 23rd May to 1st July. The last date to book your place is the 28th June

Once entered into your chosen event, complete the challenge in your choice of location and then send us recorded evidence of the distance and time completed. Please note, for marathon and half marathon entries, to appear on the leader board, you will be sending us proofs of your THREE individual runs.

If you enter a single event your result will be recorded alongside others who are also taking part in that race and we will send you your own individual medal. If you have been missing the racing environment, then this is an opportunity to test yourself and engage with fellow competitors. 

Or you can take a more novel approach and complete the distance of your choice in your own unique style! Walk, run, on a bike or in a wheelchair! You’ll still receive a medal for completing. You may even decide to raise money for our chosen charity the NSPCC, or another cause that is close to your heart. We don’t mind how you do it, in fact the more creative the better! Walk a Marathon in 40 days, complete 422 x 100 metre Sprints, hop for a Mile, or Cycle a Marathon in two hours, we’d love to see how you do it, do post your selfies and remember to use the tag #MSMW2020!

Stay Safe

ALL WE ASK IS THAT YOU COMPLETE YOUR CHALLENGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S LATEST SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES.

Keeping active once you’re back to work

If you have a busy schedule, here are a few tips to help you keep active.

1.Make a plan and stick to it.

2.Limit screen and TV time, to make time for exercise.

3.Try cycling or walking to work.

4.Short online workouts can fit in with your busy schedule.

5.Keep track of your steps and move around each hour to get those steps in. Aim to complete the recommended minimum 10,000 steps per day!

6.Try doing some yoga while watching TV.

7.Set an alarm to take a break and go for a short walk.

8.Try standing instead of sitting whenever you can.

9. Set yourself a challenge and enter one of the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend events today.

FUN WARM UPS FOR KIDS!

Perfect for race day!

A simple walk, jog, or march, in motion or in place, can serve as a good warm-up for kids. You can also incorporate any of these kinds of movements:

Arm circles or swings: Hold arms outstretched from shoulders and turn in small circles. Increase the size of the circles and swing arms forward and back from the shoulder.

Dancing: Let kids make up their own moves to music they like.

Side Hops: With feet together, jump from one side of an imaginary line to the other. Or hop on one foot and switch back and forth.

High Knees: While walking, lift knees high in the air. Intensify by adding arm movements, or by speeding up the walk to a jog.

Butt Kicks: Like high knees in reverse. Exaggerate your steps in jogging by reaching your foot toward your rear end.

Walking Lunges: Step forward with one leg and lower so the knee is at a 90-degree angle and the back leg is stretched out long. Then lift the back leg up and forward so it’s bent and in front. Continue alternating lunges while moving forward.

Jumping Jacks: When you’re ready to add some more intensity to your warm-up exercises, incorporate jumping jacks—they involve both arms and legs and add impact to your routine.

Side Hops: With feet together, jump from one side of an imaginary line to the other. Or hop on one foot and switch back and forth.

Grapevine: Walk or jog sideways, crossing one foot in front of the other in an alternating pattern

Now you’re ready for the 1 mile family fun run, a 5K or even the 1/2 of full marathon. If you haven’t already entered, sign up now!