WITH just one month to go before entries close, Hailsham residents are being encouraged to secure their place now for this year’s Hailsham Community Run, taking place on Sunday 17 May.
Now in its fourth year, this highly anticipated event has become a standout fixture in the local calendar, drawing growing numbers of participants each year. Organisers are urging runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to register early to avoid disappointment.
The past two events sold out ahead of schedule due to overwhelming demand, and a similar response is expected again this year. Those who have yet to register are strongly advised to sign up as soon as possible to guarantee their place.
The run is open to everyone – from seasoned runners to casual joggers and those who prefer to walk – with a variety of distances designed to make the event as inclusive and accessible as possible. Families, first-time participants and experienced athletes alike are all invited to take part.
Registration is open online and places are filling rapidly:
https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/HailshamCommunityRun2026/
The continued success of the Community Run is made possible through strong local backing. Hailsham Town Council has committed £6,000 towards this year’s run (of the £18,000 required to put on the event, with sponsorship and race entry fees making up the difference). The Council’s contribution will go towards key elements such as finisher medals, accessibility provisions, signage and volunteer support.
A wide range of local businesses are also playing a vital role, sponsoring race categories and contributing to the overall delivery of the event. Support has been confirmed from organisations including Alinker, Diplocks Cafe & Pizza, The Royal Indian, Taylor Wimpey, PXL Wave Graphics, Stevens & Carter, Roland Dunn Sales & Lettings, Lightning Fibre, Elite Medical, Colston, Crest Nicholson, The White Hart, The Kings Head, Inner Sole Reflexology and the Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce.
The event is being organised by the project lead in partnership with Sport Systems Ltd, who will oversee the technical aspect of race management to ensure the day runs smoothly and safely.
Designed for the whole community
A key focus of the Hailsham Community Run remains inclusivity, with routes and facilities carefully planned to accommodate a wide range of participants. Whether taking part with a pushchair, managing mobility challenges or simply trying something new, organisers are committed to making the event as welcoming as possible.
Karen Nicholls, who leads on accessibility for the event, said: “Our priority is making sure everyone feels able to take part. You don’t have to be an experienced runner to join in – this is about creating an environment where people can participate in a way that suits them and feel part of something positive.”
Project Lead Mary Laxton emphasised the importance of signing up before registration closes: “With just a month to go, now is the time for people to secure their place. The support we receive each year allows us to keep improving the event, but at its heart it’s about participation – bringing the community together and making the run accessible to as many people as possible.”
Co-organiser Colin Mitchell highlighted the community spirit behind the event: “This is a true community effort, with local businesses, volunteers and organisations all working together. It’s not just about the run itself – it’s about creating a shared experience that the whole town can be proud of.”
Road closures on the day
Residents are reminded that Hailsham High Street will be closed from 9am-1pm on the day of the event. No on-street car parking will be available that morning. Additionally, rolling road closures will be in place on the route in and around the town centre, staffed by volunteers from the Hailsham Bonfire Society.
Further details will be announced soon.
Get involved
As well as individual entries, local schools, charities, clubs and community groups are encouraged to take part, whether by entering teams or using the event to raise funds for good causes.
With momentum building and places expected to fill, residents are encouraged not to delay – sign up now and be part of one of Hailsham’s biggest community events of the year.
