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 are a proudly independent, family-run practice based right here in the UK. Their mission is to make eye care personal again. Whether you’re booking a styling consultation, upgrading your lenses, or seeking relief from dry eyes, they’re there to help with real expertise and real heart.
From day one, they have focused on sustainability, transparency, and customer-first service – all wrapped up in stylish, high-quality frames and high-performance spectacle lenses. It’s an approach that puts people at the centre of everything they do.
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.
We’re delighted to welcome Blakedown Sport & Play as a partner of the East Grinstead 10 Mile at the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend 2026.
Blakedown Sport & Play are specialists in the design and installation of high-quality sport, play and recreational facilities across the UK. Their work helps create inspiring outdoor spaces where communities can be active, connect and enjoy the benefits of sport and play.
As part of the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, the East Grinstead 10 Mile on 2 May 2026 brings runners together from across the region for a fantastic race through the local area, and we’re proud to have Blakedown Sport & Play supporting this event.
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.
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!
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.
As a local housebuilder, which is delivering much needed new homes in the area, Bovis Homes is proud to support the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend.
We are building 200 new homes and creating a 23-acre country park at our Walstead Park location in Lindfield.
We therefore feel very much part of the local community and are delighted to be sponsoring the final day of the challenge, which takes place in Burgess Hill, just a few miles from Walstead Park.
Walstead Park will feature a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two to five bedroom houses. There will be 140 properties for private sale and 60 affordable homes for local people through low-cost or shared ownership. The first residents moved into their new homes at the end of last year.
Located off Scamps Hill, the development will also include footpaths, woodland and wildlife areas, a wetland walk and children’s play areas.
Bovis Homes is part of the Vistry Group, which also includes Linden Homes and Countryside Homes.
Advocates of co-curricular activities, Hurst College explains why they play a big part in the lives of their students.
“What particularly strikes visitors to Hurst College is the vibrant dynamic community and the importance placed on an all-round as well as a core academic education. Students are enabled and challenged to make the most of their talents and the huge opportunities which are available. The college is ambitious for its students to achieve the best that they can in all that they do, recognising and encouraging both engagement and achievement. Whilst the best possible academic grades are critical, Hurst believes the development of the key skills, qualities and values which are so important in life come more from engagement with life beyond the classroom.
Hurst regard co-curricular activities – such as sport, outdoor education, creative and performing arts – as being key to the all-round education of each student. The college offers a wide range of activities for all students during the school day. The programme is designed to encourage them to try new skills, move beyond their comfort zones, and gain experience in a safe and supportive environment.
It is the intention that through these activities, students will not only acquire certain skills and develop certain qualities, but will also be introduced to a sport, hobby or pastime which will give them pleasure throughout their lives.
Whether such activities are more physical or challenging in nature, service-oriented or cerebral, students are encouraged to pursue at least one significant activity throughout their time at Hurst. Co-curricular activities include the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Combined Cadet Force (CCF), community service, environmental conservation and the Hurst farm. Other activities include clubs for books, film, mechanics, dissection, ICT, creative arts, golf and sport. During the week, a host of additional activities are scheduled including fitness training, swimming and other sports, alongside sessions for drama, choir, orchestra, dance, the Top House competition, debating and workshops for art and DT students.
Above all else at Hurst, nobody is ‘beneath the radar’ or ‘on the bench’. Each child is an active member of the community, who is encouraged, supported and enabled to realise their potential.” April 2023, Hurstpierpoint College
Use code NICE20 for 20% off any Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend race. Miss this and you miss out!
Discount code is valid until Monday 27th March 2023. All entries must be made via the Nice Work website. Links to all #midsussexmarathonweekend races included in this offer below.
The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend concludes on Monday 25th May with a 10k race in Burgess Hill. Find out more
Photo credit: Just Simon Photography
Don’t forget, we also have a half marathon this year, so you can also run 5K, 10K or complete the marathon distance over the 3 day event, details of all the races can be found here. No excuses, there is a race for everyone, sign up today!
Don’t miss The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend 2020, which kicks off with a 10-mile race in East Grinstead on 23rd May 2020. Find out more here.
Photo Credit: Just Simon Photography
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