Hundreds of runners and supporters gathered for the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend 2025.
The event, now in its 14th year, took place over the May bank holiday weekend (May 3-5) and featured a series of races across three days.
The marathon weekend kicked off with the East Grinstead 10 Mile on Saturday, followed by the Haywards Heath 10 Mile on Sunday, and concluded with the Burgess Hill 10k on Monday.
Participants who completed all three main races achieved a marathon distance and were rewarded with a finisher's T-shirt and a piece of a souvenir medal.
The Haywards Heath 10 Mile was a highlight of the weekend, forming part of the Sussex Grand Prix and attracting a competitive field of club runners.
The top three male finishers of the combined marathon distance were Ben Peters from Burgess Hill Runners with a time of 2:42:53, Sky Taylor-O'Neill from Crawley Saints & Sinners with a time of 2:47:03, and Patrick Brown from Orion Harriers with a time of 2:49:53.
The top three female finishers were Jenny Hirst from Brighton Phoenix with a time of 3:34:50, Annette Maynard from Burgess Hill Runners with a time of 3:42:33, and Holly Smith with a time of 3:44:41.
The weekend was filled with memorable moments, including a 78-year-old first-time runner completing all three 1 Mile races, and blind runner Mick completing the East Grinstead 10 Mile.
The routes were lined with children holding homemade banners, cheering on their family and friends.
Participant Richard P said: "This was my first time doing this event and I did all three—and I would do it again.
"It was awesome.
"The medals and finisher's T-shirt were the icing on the cake."
Another runner, Leanne L, added: "The best weekend ever.
"Such a well-organised event, with fantastic marshal and crowd support.
"Everyone was so friendly—I’m very tempted to come back next year."
The Mid Sussex Marathon is a Places Leisure initiative, delivered in partnership with the district council, local town councils, and organised by AHS Wellbeing.
Simon Adby of AHS Wellbeing said: "We’re absolutely thrilled with the amazing feedback this year.
"Thank you to everyone who took part, volunteered, sponsored, or supported in any way.
"We loved seeing so many smiling runners across the bank holiday weekend.
"It really shows what this community can achieve together."
The event was supported by a number of partners and sponsors, including Roche Diagnostics UK, GoodOaks Homecare Mid Sussex, CSL Behring, and The Vistry Group.
Community spirit was at the heart of the event, with volunteers manning water stations, local vendors serving refreshments, and family, friends, and the local community cheering on the runners.
The Roche Diagnostics Schools Challenge, coordinated by Mid Sussex Active, saw 3,000 children complete 1-mile runs during school time between April 22 and May 2, earning certificates for their achievements.
Prize draws for two pairs of Shokz bone-conduction headphones and a Mid Sussex Osteopaths sports massage were also held, with winners announced online.
Planning is already underway for 2026, and organisers are excited to welcome even more runners next year.
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