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The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend Returns for 2026!

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in Burgess Hill, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Latest news, Mid Sussex Fun Run, Mid Sussex Marathon, Mid Sussex Mile

Three Days, Three Towns, One Epic Challenge!

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is back for its 15th year, taking place across the May Bank Holiday weekend (2–4 May 2026). This much-loved running event is one of the highlights of the Sussex race calendar, attracting runners from across the South East for three days of challenge, community and celebration.

From seasoned runners chasing a new goal to someone looking for a fun, family-friendly event, the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend offers something for everyone.

What to expect…

What makes the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend truly unique is its three-day format, bringing the running community together across East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill.

  • Friday 2 May – East Grinstead 10 Mile
  • Saturday 3 May – Haywards Heath 10 Mile
  • Sunday 4 May – Burgess Hill 10K

You can run one event or complete all three to achieve the full marathon distance. It’s a perfect challenge for anyone training for spring marathons or seeking a multi-day running experience in Sussex.

Running Events for All Ages and Abilities

Alongside the main races, the weekend features two fantastic community events:

  • Mid Sussex Mile – a chip-timed race open to runners aged 7 and over.
  • Mid Sussex Fun Run – ideal for families, new runners and children who want to get involved. Fancy dress is always welcome!

From club runners to first-timers, there’s space for everyone to enjoy a weekend of friendly, inclusive running in the heart of Mid Sussex.

Supported by the Mid Sussex Community

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is proudly supported by Mid Sussex District Council, East Grinstead Town Council, Haywards Heath Town Council, Burgess Hill Town Council and Places Leisure. Their continued partnership helps make this community-driven running event possible each year, promoting health, fitness and togetherness across the district.

Early Bird Entries Now Open

Entries are officially open for 2026 and runners can take advantage of the early bird offer until 30th November 2025. This is your chance to secure a spot in one of the most popular Sussex running events of the year at the best price.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this sell-out May Bank Holiday running weekend!

Join Us for the 15th Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend

Whether you take on one race or the full marathon distance, you’ll experience the incredible community spirit that makes this event so special.

📅 2–4 May 2026
📍 East Grinstead • Haywards Heath • Burgess Hill
👉 Enter now and join the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend 2026!

Recovery & Avoiding the MSM Blues: What’s Next?

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in Uncategorized

Congratulations! You’ve completed the Mid Sussex Marathon. What a great weekend it was too. Now what? Recovery is key, but so is keeping your motivation alive.

Post Race Recovery Tips

  • Active recovery: Low impact movements through walking or swimming aids muscle repair.
  • Mobility dynamic stretches, start here with our overstriding mobility for tired legs that have ran, walked and maybe even crawled over the past 3 days
  • Hydrate & refuel: Restore lost fluids and eat protein rich meals
  • Stretch & foam roll: Release tension in tired muscles.
  • Prioritise sleep: Quality rest enhances muscle recovery. 

Avoiding the Post Mid Sussex Marathon Blues

It’s been a great weekend and after weeks of structured training, it’s normal to feel a dip in motivation now the race is over. Here’s how to keep the momentum going:

  • Reflect & celebrate: Recognise your achievement! 
  • Plan your next challenge: Check back soon to sign up for MSMW 2026 or visit our partners Nice Work for your next race!
  • Join a running community: Stay connected with like minded runners. Enjoyed these blog posts. There’s no better place to start than here: https://personifyfitness.co.uk/running-personal-best-hunters/
  • Stay motivated with Personify Fitness coaching – where your next PB awaits!

Answer Marathon Blues today!

Instagram: @personifytraining

Facebook: Personify Fitness

Run Nutrition: Pre Race Carb Loading Done Right!

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in Latest news, Top Tips

Head Coach of Personify Fitness, Ben Short, shares his latest tips to help you prepare for this weekend’s event:

Carb loading before a race is a tried-and-true method for boosting energy stores — but there’s a fine line between fuelling smart and overdoing it.

Why Carb Loading Matters

Carbohydrates are stored as glycogen in your muscles, providing the energy needed for endurance running. Without enough glycogen, runners often “hit the wall” and experience extreme fatigue. This can make those final miles brutally tough — or leave you questioning whether you’ll even make it to Run Event 3 in Burgess Hill.

How to Carb Load for the Mid Sussex Marathon

  • Start on Thursday before race weekend: Gradually increase your carb intake while slightly reducing protein and fat.
  • Focus on complex carbs: Oats, pasta, rice, and sweet potatoes provide steady, sustained energy.
  • Avoid heavy, greasy foods: Too much fibre or fat can cause stomach issues, IBS, or discomfort. Reduce these foods, but don’t eliminate them entirely — think of them more as condiments to your carbs.
  • Hydrate well: Carbs store water, so aim to drink 500 ml to 1 L more than usual on carb-loading days.
  • Nothing new on race weekend: Your digestive system, like your legs, has been training for this. Don’t experiment with new foods at the last minute — stick with what has worked during training.

Want Personalised Nutrition Guidance?

Our training plans include nutrition strategies to help you perform at your best on race day.

👉 Join us here: https://personifyfitness.co.uk/running-personal-best-hunters/

Thanks to Ben for sharing his expertise! We hope these tips help you conquer the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend!

Tapering: The Secret to Race Day Readiness

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in Latest news, Top Tips

Tapering is the final and often overlooked phase of training, where you reduce mileage to allow your body to recover and reach peak condition for race weekend. Done correctly, tapering ensures you arrive at the Mid Sussex Marathon feeling fresh, strong, and ready to perform at your best.

Why Tapering Works

✔️ Reduces fatigue – Your muscles rebuild and strengthen during this period.
✔️ Restores glycogen stores – More sustained energy for race day.
✔️ Lowers injury risk – A well-rested body performs better lowers risk of injury and ensures you’re fresh on race weekend.

How to Taper for the Mid Sussex Marathon

🔹 Reduce mileage – Cut back by 30-50% in the last two weeks leading up to race day.
🔹 Maintain intensity – Keep your effort level high, but reduce the volume.
🔹 Prioritise sleep & recovery – More rest equals better performance.
🔹 Stick to your routine – Avoid last-minute drastic changes to diet or training.

Need a Structured Taper Plan?

Our coaching programs guide you through the tapering process to ensure optimal race-day performance, so you toe the start line feeling confident and ready to go.

📌 Get your personalised plan here: Personify Fitness Coaching

Ben Short
Personify Fitness Head Coach

Running Injuries: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in Top Tips

Marathon training is an incredible journey, but if you’re not careful, it can lead to frustrating injuries that derail your progress. To help you stay strong and injury-free during your Mid Sussex Marathon training, here’s what you need to know about the most common running injuries—and how to prevent them.

Most Common Running Injuries

  • Runner’s Knee – Overuse can cause pain around the kneecap.
  • Shin Splints – Sudden mileage increases can lead to pain along the shin bone.
  • Plantar Fasciitis – Tightness in the foot’s arch can result in heel or foot pain.
  • Achilles Tendinitis – Overuse, over pronation or unsupportive footwear can cause inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

How to Prevent Injuries

✅ Follow a progressive plan – Avoid increasing mileage too quickly, this is even more important in the final stages of training.
✅ Incorporate strength training – Stronger muscles support your joints and prevent imbalances.
✅ Listen to your body – If running is too painful, try cross-training (low impact cardio alternatives such as cycling, cross trainer, or brisk walking). If even that hurts, take a rest day!
✅ Prioritise mobility and stretching – Keeping muscles flexible reduces strain. Try this Personify Fitness mobility routine as part of your recovery training process: Watch Here.

Train Smarter with Personify Fitness

We offer tailored coaching to balance training intensity, mobility, and recovery – all with a real life coach to adapt around your training needs. Get a plan designed for you to Stay strong, stay pain-free, and keep chasing your goals!

📌 Find your plan here: Personify Fitness Running Coaching

Thanks for reading!

Ben Short
Personify Fitness Head Coach

Run, Train, Triumph with Expert Tips from Ben Short

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in Latest news, Top Tips

If you’ve attended the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, you’ve probably spotted Ben Short either speeding across the finish line in pole position, supporting young runners in the Junior Race and Fun Run, or performing his signature cartwheels in the event village.

As Head Coach of Personify Fitness, Ben is not only a champion runner but also a dedicated coach, passionate about helping others reach their full potential. This year, we’re thrilled to have Ben sharing his expertise through a special blog series, packed with tips to help you make the most of your race. Read on for the first instalment!

Run Breathing: Mastering Your Oxygen for a Stronger Run

1. Run Breathing: Mastering Your Oxygen for a Stronger Run

Breathing efficiently while running can mean the difference between cruising comfortably and hitting an early wall. Many runners find themselves gasping for air or struggling with side stitches simply because they haven’t trained their breathing techniques. This becomes even more crucial when transitioning between terrains—whether it’s the trails of the East Grinstead 10 on Saturday, the mix of urban and firm trail in the Haywards Heath 10 on Sunday, or Monday’s BH10k.

The Basics of Breathing for Running

Your muscles need oxygen to fuel performance, so mastering your breath directly impacts endurance and stamina. The key is diaphragmatic breathing (deep belly breathing), which allows you to take in more oxygen per breath than shallow chest breathing.

Tips for Better Breathing While Running

  • Breathe through your nose and mouth – This maximises oxygen intake while keeping your breath controlled.
  • Practice deep breathing off the run – Yoga and mindfulness exercises can strengthen your diaphragm for better control. Our athletes find apps like Calm and Headspace useful for guided meditation.
  • Control your pace – If you’re breathless too soon, slow down and find a steady rhythm.

Two Powerful Breathing Techniques

Here’s two powerful methods to get you started depending if you are a visual learner (triangular breathing) or musical learner (We Will Rock You style):

To improve your breathing efficiency, try one of these two methods based on your learning style:

1️⃣ Triangular Breathing 🔼 (For Visual Learners)

This method helps create a steady rhythm:

  • 2 quick inhales 🎵
  • 1 longer exhale
  • Visualize a triangle forming with each breath cycle

It’s all about finding balance to stay calm and in control.

2️⃣ “We Will Rock You” Rhythm (For Musical Learners)

If you’re musically inclined, sync your breathing to the iconic beat:

  • 2 quick inhales 👏👏
  • 1 powerful exhale 🙌

💡 Why It Works

Every runner is different, so we adapt our coaching to match YOUR unique learning style and goals. These tailored techniques build confidence and help you push your limits!

Train Smarter with Personify Fitness

If you want to improve your breathing, endurance, and overall performance, our bespoke training plans cover every detail—including breathing strategies.

📌 Join us here! Thanks for reading!

Ben Short

Personify Fitness Head Coach

Roche Diagnostics UK & Ireland Continues Support for the Mid Sussex Marathon Schools Challenge 2025

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in Uncategorized

We are so excited to announce the return of the Mid Sussex Marathon Schools Challenge for 2025, made possible by the ongoing support of Roche Diagnostics UK & Ireland and Mid Sussex Active. Encouraging young people to stay active is essential for their overall well-being. Research highlights that regular exercise in childhood fosters healthy growth, reduces the risk of future health issues such as obesity and heart disease, and enhances mental well-being. Additionally, participating in sports helps children develop important life skills like teamwork, confidence, and resilience.

Events like the Mid Sussex Marathon Schools Challenge not only promote a passion for running but also encourage a lifelong commitment to fitness and health. These young participants represent the future of sport, demonstrating the perseverance and dedication that define great athletes.

Geoff Twist, Managing Director of Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, based in Burgess Hill, expressed his enthusiasm: “The Mid Sussex Marathon Schools Challenge is an event we are incredibly proud to support. Seeing over 3000 children from 20 schools across Mid Sussex take part last year was truly inspiring. Their enthusiasm and dedication are remarkable. We are delighted to continue our sponsorship for 2025 and look forward to seeing even more young runners joining this fantastic initiative.”

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend remains dedicated to encouraging physical activity among young people and is proud to partner with Mid Sussex Active in delivering this exciting event.

Holly Prescott added: “We love being involved in the Schools Challenge each year. It’s a fantastic way for children to enjoy running outdoors in a fun and social environment. Schools appreciate the simplicity of the event as it requires no equipment, preparation, or additional workload for teachers. It’s all about participation, enjoyment, and inspiring families to get involved in the marathon weekend.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Roche Diagnostics UK & Ireland for their continued commitment to this initiative and to Mid Sussex Active for their invaluable support. We can’t wait to celebrate the achievements of all the young runners in 2025 and continue inspiring the next generation to embrace active, healthy lifestyles.

Walking vs Running

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in Haywards Heath

The big debate

The days are brightening up into Spring and outdoor exercise is on the cards again!

There seems to be a distinct divide between those who choose to run and those who opt for a calmer walk – others like to mix it up.

But one thing is for certain, there is no obvious winner of the two. Stuck between which to choose? We’ve weighed in on the pros and cons of both, so that you don’t have to…

Walking

Pros:

  • Low impact – keeps stress off heart and joints making it more suitable for those with health issues and disabilities, also seemingly easier to perform and therefore can be carried out more often.
  • Low intensity – low effort required can keep newbies on track in the long-term and allow individuals to build up their activity gradually.

Cons:

  • Slow progress – calories burn at a slower rate to higher-intensity activity, making the path to some fitness goals a longer one. Consider increasing the intensity with speed or incline.
  • Time consuming – the slow progress means more time must be spent to reach the same results as higher-intensity workouts… time is required!

Running

Pros:

  • Effective – burn calories quickly and more efficiently – as higher-intensity activity utilises more energy in the same amount of time.
  • Cardiovascular health – boost cardiovascular health and aerobic fitness quicker and more effectively.

Cons:

  • High risk – running is more likely to cause injury and lead to physical damage, limiting the frequency and duration that this exercise can be carried out.
  • High intensity – can lead to burnout/overcompensation, making it harder to stick to in the long run.

Fun fact: whilst researching this, we discovered one study that found “walking was virtually as effective as running for women in all weight categories apart from the largest weight category”.

Men, on the other hand, found running to be the most effective for dropping pounds overall.

The bottom line is that any movement is good.

Running is the exercise to go for if you are looking to up your output more quickly or build-up strength and endurance for cardiovascular health and wellness.

Walking is a great option for those that dislike other forms of cardio, struggle with health issues, have more time on their hands, or are looking to recover – whether its from a long-term injury or from yesterday’s run.

If you have the choice of both running and walking, 100% do both…

A combination of the two means you reap the benefits of both exercises, and if you’re feeling like a rest from your usual, high-intensity regime, walking a comfortable distance might just be the answer to assist your recovery and keep your body moving. Win win!

Sources: Walking for health – NHS (www.nhs.uk) | Walking vs. Running: Which is Better for Your Health? (healthline.com) | Is Walking or Running Better for Weight Loss? (verywellfit.com)

This blog is sponsored by CSL Behring, official sponsor of The Haywards Heath 10 Mile Race

Schools Challenge

Roche Diagnostics UK & Ireland Proudly Sponsor The Mid Sussex Marathon Schools Challenge 2024

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in Uncategorized

We are thrilled to announce that Roche Diagnostics UK & Ireland will continue their sponsorship of the Mid Sussex Marathon Schools Challenge 2024. Encouraging young people to lead active lifestyles is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that regular physical activity in childhood not only promotes healthy growth and development but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease later in life. Additionally, engaging in sports and recreational activities helps children build essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience, shaping them into well-rounded individuals.

Furthermore, events like the Mid Sussex Marathon Schools Challenge cultivate a love for running and fitness, instilling a lifelong passion for exercise and healthy living. These children are not just participants; they are the runners of the future, embodying the spirit of determination and perseverance that defines athletes worldwide.

Geoff Twist, Managing Director of Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland which has its headquarters in Burgess Hill said, “The Mid Sussex Marathon Schools Challenge holds a special place in our hearts. It is so encouraging and truly inspiring that a record number of over 3000 children from 20 schools across Mid Sussex have signed up to take part in this year’s challenge. A huge well done from us to every single one of them for their dedication and commitment to staying active and having fun.” 

Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is fully committed to supporting initiatives that promote physical activity and well-being among young people and works in partnership with Mid Sussex Active to deliver this thrilling event.

Holly Prescott from said: “We are excited to be involved in the Schools Challenge again this year. The children taking part get to run outside in the fresh air. Schools love it as there’s no set up, tidy up, or equipment required. No staff training is needed and there is no extra workload for teachers. It’s social, non-competitive and fun and we love the fact that it helps to promote the marathon weekend to families across Mid Sussex.”

We extend our sincere gratitude to Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland for their dedication to this event and Mid Sussex Active for all their support. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of all participants and hope to continue to inspire the next generation to lead active, healthy lives.
April 2024

Tapering

Getting Ready for the Mid Sussex Marathon: Tapering Tips for Peak Performance

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in Uncategorized

With just under two weeks to go until the race it’s time to taper your training – all of the hard work is done! You should now be entering the crucial tapering phase of your training. This period is all about fine-tuning, recovering, and ensuring you’re in peak condition come race day. As you prepare for this exciting event, here are some essential tapering tips from Nic Robinson, Sports Massage therapist at Mid Sussex Osteopaths, to help you make the most of these final weeks. To read the full article visit their website. Enjoy
April 2024