Over 1000 runners enjoy the third Hailsham Community Run
The community run took place on 18th May, and the high street was jam-packed with participants and spectators, and included an inclusive 1 mile route as well as a 3km, 5km and 10km race. Hailsham Town Council sponsored the 3km race, and provided the funds for the provision of licences, event planning expenses and publicity materials.
Lightning Fibre sponsored the main stage, hosted by Neil Povey and has confirmed it will sponsor the main stage again in 2026, the race organisers have confirmed the fourth community run will take place on Sunday 17th May 2026.
Alinker and Colston sponsored the 1-mile inclusive race, The Royal Indian sponsored the 5km race, Hallmark Glazed Extensions sponsored the 10km race, Stevens & Carter sposnord the inflatable start / finsih line, Diplocks Cafe provided water stations, Roland Dunn Sales & Lettings sponsored the water bottles and Miss Walls Food provided cakes and cookies. Neil Povey DJ and MC played songs in ‘The Beehive’ stage on the day (sponsored by Lightning Fibre). Hailsham United Junior Football Club provided the marshals, to keep participants safe on the public highways used for the race.
Hailsham Rotary Club, Hailsham Roadways, Wealden District Council and Hailsham News also provided support this year, to enable Hailsham's second largest annual community event to take place.
Mary Laxton, project lead, commented “To see our High Street and neighbouring roads filled with so many people was beyond our wildest dreams. The whole ethos of the event is about our community and our town, and my heartfelt thanks go to our sponsors – without whom the event wouldn’t be financially viable."
Inclusion Lead Karen Nicholls added: “The 1-mile inclusive run took place with around 130 entries, which was a phenomenal increase in the number of participants compared to last year’s event. It gave out a very clear message of inclusion and accessibility in the community – give individuals the opportunity and they will shine!”
More information about the 2026 community race will be announced later this year.
Photo: Hailsham News
