PR1512/CH/JB
29 December 2011
A major new festival of running is coming to Mid Sussex in May 2012, with the launch of the Sussex Living Marathon Weekend. The event was officially announced on 28th December by the main sponsor, Sussex Living, together with the three Town Councils and Mid Sussex District Council.
This initiative is set to boost the local economy with hundreds of runners expected to turn out across the District and join in the Marathon Weekend over the May Bank Holiday in 2012.
This unique event will bring races to the heart of Burgess Hill, East Grinstead and Haywards Heath with all three using routes that, as far as possible, will be traffic free – using footpaths and trails in and around the towns. Courses will be suitable for both experienced runners and those new to running, with the hope that the event will encourage many local people to put on their trainers and look to achieve their own personal milestones.
Three races are planned over the weekend; beginning with a 10-mile race in East Grinstead on Saturday 5th May, moving to Haywards Heath for a 10-mile race on Sunday 6th May and rounding off the event and the holiday weekend with a 10k race in Burgess Hill on Monday 7th May. Combined, the three races will cover a total of 26.2 miles – the classic marathon distance. Runners are able to enter each race individually, but those completing all three will receive a special commemorative Sussex Living Marathon Weekend medal.
In addition to the main races, there will be family and corporate relay events in East Grinstead and Haywards Heath with each member of a three-person team running just over three miles for their team. Children’s races will also be featured in each location. Runners and spectators will enjoy a range of attractions and activities at the three starting locations and hopefully the towns will turn out in force to cheer on the runners.
The Sussex Living Marathon Weekend wants as many charities as possible to have the opportunity of raising funds via the event and local good causes are set to benefit as they recruit runners to raise funds on their behalf. In addition, any proceeds from the event will benefit local charities nominated by each of the Town Councils. Local businesses are also being encouraged to get involved either through entering teams, sponsoring and supporting the races or offering discounts to runners taking part.
“It’s very exciting to be involved in bringing this new sporting event to Mid Sussex. It’s unique and will be something the whole District can be proud of and join in with. We look forward to welcoming the influx of runners and visitors to the area. This will have a positive economic impact on local towns and businesses”, said Councillor Mims Davies, from Haywards Heath Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council. “Many local businesses are set to be involved as event supporters or will be participating in the event as a team. This Marathon weekend promises to be a lively, fun-packed time for all the family. I urge everyone from fun runners to seasoned runners to sign up to the challenge!”
“We are delighted to be sponsoring this brilliant event in Mid Sussex,” said Tanis Banham, Director of Sussex Living. “As well as the healthy and fun side of the event, the Sussex Living Marathon will also attract lots of visitors to this beautiful part of the world, which I hope will be good for everyone’s business, up and down the district.”
More information on the Sussex Living Marathon Weekend can be found in your January edition of Sussex Living. Full entry details, including information on how to enter online or by post, are available at www.nice-work.org.uk. The Sussex Living Marathon Weekend website is currently under construction and will be available shortly.
ENDS
