Category: Haywards Heath

Haywards Heath 10 Mile Welcomes HAYDENSWAN Eyecare as Event Sponsor

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in Haywards Heath, Latest news

Following on from our recent partner announcement for the East Grinstead 10 Mile, we’re delighted to introduce another fantastic local business supporting the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend.

We’re proud to welcome HAYDENSWAN Eyecare as a partner of the Haywards Heath 10 Mile.

HAYDENSWAN Eyecare is a proudly independent, family-run practice based right here in Mid-Sussex, built on the belief that your vision is their passion. Their mission is to make eye care personal again – because vision wellness is more than just a sight test. Whether you’re booking a styling consultation, upgrading your lenses, or seeking relief from dry eyes, they’re able to help with real expertise and genuine care.

With a focus on sustainability, transparency, and client-first service, HAYDENSWAN Eyecare offers stylish, high-quality frames complete with high-performance lenses designed to support both everyday life and active lifestyles.

To celebrate the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, they are offering runners free eye examinations and performance styling sessions, with specialist sports eyewear from Oakley and Bollé available to trial. Simply book a Complete Eye Examination or Eyewear Styling Consultation online, using the code RACE25 at checkout or call 01444 275420 to book.

The Haywards Heath 10 Mile is a key event within the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, bringing together runners from across the community, and we’re delighted to have HAYDENSWAN Eyecare supporting the event.

We look forward to working together in the lead up to race day and encourage you to find out more about their services and experience the difference for yourself.

HAYDENSWAN Eye Care

Follow them on social media:
Facebook: haydenswaneyecar.uk
X: @HSEEyecare1
Instagram: @haydenswaneyecare2024

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!

Walking vs Running

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in #inspiration, 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

A Shout Out For Marshals!

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

Volunteer At The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend – Sign Up, Show Up & Have Fun!

Volunteering really does make all the difference. Join our team of volunteer marshals to help make The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend 2024 happen!

Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend organisers are looking for volunteer support to assist with marshalling of the race routes. Volunteers will get a front-row view at one of the most exciting sporting events to happen in Mid Sussex this year. The Mid Sussex Marathon takes place over three days, from Saturday 4th May to Monday 6th May, and in its 13th successive year is a popular community sporting event.

A volunteer marshal’s role is varied and can include directing runners along routes, monitoring crowd movement and activity, being aware of the location of car parks, first aid points and lost children points. Responding to directions from the police, emergency services, or Marshal supervisors, marshalling car parks, manning water stations and of course, cheering on and encouraging the runners – a very important part of volunteering!

Who can help? Everyone is welcome. From students looking for volunteering opportunities (great to include on a cv), those looking for event work experience or those who simply enjoy giving up some of their time for a community sports event. All volunteers will be given a full briefing, a volunteer t-shirt and refreshments.

Those who can help on any day between 8.45am-1.30pm will find more information about volunteering, and a registration form on the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend website. Simply sign up, show up, and have fun!

Volunteer Here


Simon Adby, Managing Director of AHS Wellbeing said,

“We always need volunteers for this fantastic community event. No previous experience is required, all it takes is a positive attitude, the desire to help others and enthusiasm. It would be great to see both old and new faces at this year’s event.”

For further information about Volunteering email christine@ahswellbeing.co.uk For all details about The Sussex Marathon Weekend 204 please visit our volunteer page.

Want to know more about this years bespoke medal design?

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in #inspiration, Burgess Hill, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath

We are delighted to hear so many of you love the MSMW 2020 medals. We’d like to say a massive thank you to White Rabbit Events for the fabulous design.

Read on to find out more about White Rabbit Events, the artist, Kat, and how she went about designing these incredible medals!

About white rabbit events by Medal designer Kat

One of the services offered by White Rabbit Events is bespoke, in-house medal and logo design. I (Kat) am an artist who creates from the heart, to capture imagination and inspire those who I reach – from organisers to recipients.

From start to finish my design process focuses on bringing the core of the event or brand to life. I spend time researching and discussing the background and history of an event with the client, really getting to understand their journey, passion and goals. Above all, I want the finished design to make my clients and their awesome recipients to feel inspired, proud and a part of something special.

How kat created the design for msmw 2020 medals

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend 2020 medal vision was to create a design which was unique, commemorative and captured the spirit of the event. MSMW is one of a kind, with 3 different races, over 3 days in 3 Mid Sussex towns (under normal circumstances!). This event really brings these communities together, working with local leisure centres and businesses, responsibly showcasing the scenic environment each town has to offer, supporting charities along with providing races for all of the family and a supportive volunteer team!

To capture the importance of the environment and community, I chose historical landmarks / places of interest from each town and together with MSMW organisers and the respective Councils, we agreed that these places reflected the community spirit in each town. They each play an important role and are places that each area is proud of. This fits the ethos of MSMW perfectly.

I then set about creating the design so that the elements would look detailed and striking, both individually and when they are overlaid as the Marathon or Half Marathon Finishers set. Myself and the MSMW team are very proud of the results and we’re really enjoying seeing the worthy recipients showing them off!

Kat is now busy planning something else very exciting for MSMW 2020 runners, so watch this space for further details!

If you haven’t signed up and want to grab one or all of these bespoke medals, you still can! You have until the 28th June to sign up and until the 1st July to complete your distance!

Hayward’s Heath 10 Miles & 5 Miles

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in #inspiration, Haywards Heath, Mid Sussex Fun Run, Mid Sussex Marathon, Mid Sussex Mile

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;

Mid Sussex Marathon 2020 Postponed

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

Following todays UPDATE UKA & HCAFS STATEMENT, the Mid Sussex Marathon 2020 is now postponed and will no longer take place on 23rd to 25th May 2020.

We are in the process of dealing with all the logistical difficulties this brings, such as checking venue availability and will try to reach a decision on a new date as soon as possible. Our aim is to hold the event later in 2020.

If you have already entered , we will contact you directly with details of your options once these are confirmed. Please bear with us in the meantime and keep checking back for updates.

Haywards Heath 10 Mile

by Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, posted in Haywards Heath, Latest news

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend continues with a 10-mile race in Haywards Heath on Sunday 24th May, which is part of the Sussex Grand Prix for 2020!

It’s a great family day out, so grab your place today! Find out more

Photo Credit: Just Simon Photography