SPECTATORS, walkers, volunteers and over 1,000 runners came together on Sunday (12 July) to make this year’s Hailsham Community Run one of the most successful community events the town has seen.
The event attracted participants of all ages and abilities, the most popular race being the 3k, with over 400 entries. The streets were lined by residents cheering on friends, family members and fellow runners throughout the course. The enthusiastic support from spectators helped create a vibrant atmosphere, with many describing the event as a celebration of community spirit as much as physical activity.
Following the successful staging of the event, organisers have thanked everyone who took part, volunteered or supported the Community Run, which continues to grow in popularity each year. The event, delivered in partnership with Sport Systems Ltd, once again showcased the town’s commitment to promoting health, wellbeing and community inclusion.
Organisers are grateful to all event sponsors, which included Lightning Fibre, Stevens & Carter, Roland Dunn Sales & Lettings, The Royal Indian, Alinker UK, Crest Nicholson, Taylor Wimpey, Colston, Inner Sole Reflexology, The Kings Head Cacklebury, The White Hart, Diplocks Cafe & Pizza and the Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce, as well as Hailsham Town Council.
Karen Nicholls, Inclusivity Lead for the project, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people taking part and enjoying themselves, regardless of age or ability. We set out to create an event where everyone felt welcome, and seeing families, experienced runners, first-time participants and walkers crossing the finish line together was incredibly rewarding.”
Project Lead Mary Laxton praised the support shown by the local community: “The atmosphere throughout the morning was fantastic. Every section of the route was filled with encouragement from residents, and that support made a genuine difference to participants. We’d like to thank everyone who came along, whether they were taking part, volunteering or simply cheering from the sidelines.”
Project Co-organiser Colin Mitchell added: “The success of the Community Run is a reflection of what Hailsham does best when the community comes together. From our volunteers and sponsors to every participant and spectator, everyone played a part in making this year’s event such a memorable occasion. We couldn’t be more grateful for the support shown across the town.”
Over 50 marshals lined the route, some with horns, bells and whistles, supporting all the participants. Organisers thanked all volunteers, including 4×4 Assist, whose professional assistance with rolling road closures and event management helped ensure the run was delivered safely and smoothly.
Organisers are grateful to Elite Medical & Urgent Care, who attended at various points along the route keeping a close watch on the runners. Thanks also go to Hailsham Roadways which provided the barriers along the route.
Water bottles, cakes and sweets disappeared very quickly, and Ice Cream Andy worked hard in supply and demand. Neil Povey MC kept up the tunes and chats with all the sponsors during the event.
Following another highly successful event, organisers are already looking ahead to next year’s 5th Anniversary Hailsham Community Run, scheduled to take place on Sunday 16th May 2027.
