Hailsham Community Run 2026: Only Six Weeks to Go

The town is gearing up for the return of the Hailsham Community Run, which will take place on Sunday 17th May. Now in its fourth year, the event continues to grow in scale and popularity, with organisers inviting participants of all ages and abilities to sign up.

Open to runners, joggers and walkers alike, the event offers a range of distances designed to encourage widespread participation, from beginners and families through to more experienced runners. Registration remains open and can be completed online: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/HailshamCommunityRun2026/.

The Community Run has developed into one of the area’s most well-supported local sporting events, made possible through continued backing from Hailsham Town Council, local businesses and a network of volunteers. This year, the Town Council has allocated £6,000 towards the delivery of the event, supporting essential elements such as medals, specialist accessibility facilities, event signage and volunteer provision.

A number of local businesses have also committed their support by sponsoring individual race categories. These include Alinker, Diplocks Café & Pizza, The Royal Indian and other local organisations, alongside a wider group of sponsors contributing to the overall success of the event, including Taylor Wimpey, PXL Wave Graphics, Stevens & Carter, Roland Dunn Sales & Lettings, Lightning Fibre, Elite Medical, Colston, The White Hart, The Kings Head, Inner Sole Reflexology and the Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce.

The run is being coordinated by a local organising team, working in partnership with Sports Systems Ltd, who provide professional race management and technical support to ensure the event operates safely and efficiently.

Focus on accessibility and participation

A central aim of the Hailsham Community Run is to create an event that is accessible to as many people as possible. Routes have been designed to accommodate a wide range of participants, including those with mobility requirements, families with young children and individuals taking part for the first time.

Organisers have placed particular emphasis on ensuring that appropriate facilities and support are in place, allowing participants to take part in a way that suits their needs and abilities.

Karen Nicholls, who leads on inclusivity for the event, said the focus remains firmly on participation: “We want the event to be welcoming and accessible to everyone. Whether people are taking part at a relaxed pace or aiming to challenge themselves, the important thing is that they feel able to get involved and enjoy the experience.”

Project Lead Mary Laxton added: “The continued support from the Town Council and our sponsors enables us to improve the event each year and ensure it remains inclusive. We are committed to removing barriers to participation wherever possible and creating an event that reflects the whole community.”

Co-organiser Colin Mitchell highlighted the collaborative effort behind the event: “The Community Run demonstrates the strength of partnership working in Hailsham. It brings together local organisations, businesses and volunteers to deliver something that benefits the entire town.”

Opportunities to get involved

In addition to individual entries, local schools, charities, sports clubs and community organisations are encouraged to take part, either by entering teams or using the event as a platform for fundraising.

Organisers are keen to hear from anyone interested in becoming a marshal at the event. As a thank you gesture, volunteer marshalls will be provided with a bacon roll and hot drink at the Crown Hotel at 8am on the day. For volunteering enquiries, contact Michelle (Hailsham United Junior Football club) on 07495 760066 or by email.

There are also a limited number of sponsorship opportunities still available for businesses wishing to support the event. For sponsorship enquiries, contact Mary Laxton on 07723 444209 or email marylaxton70@gmail.com.