Glorious sunshine boosts Mid Sussex Marathon times

Local businesses, Town Councils and the District Council all worked together to stage a fabulous running event for the whole community.

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend comprised three races, which took place over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

The event opened with a 10-mile race in East Grinstead on Saturday May 3, moved to Haywards Heath for a 10-mile race on Sunday May 4 and finished with a 10k race in Burgess Hill on Monday May 5.

Combined, the three races covered a total of 26.2 miles – the classic marathon distance.

One hundred and ninety-two runners entered all three races and by completing the total distance they each received a special commemorative Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend medal.

Glorious Bank Holiday sunshine bought many spectators into the three towns on race day and they were kept entertained throughout by local radio stations Meridian FM and Bright FM, who broadcast live from the event.

The dry conditions helped the leading competitors to record some impressive finishing times and the winners of each race were as follows:

- East Grinstead 10 Mile race
1st Russ Mullen – 1 hour 3 minutes and 3 seconds

2nd Michael Chapman – 1 hour 3 minutes and 53 seconds

3rd Jim Addison – 1 hour 3 minutes and 56 seconds

- Haywards Heath 10 Mile race

1st Stewart Gregory – 58 minutes 21 seconds

2nd Gareth Williams – 59 minutes 1 second

3rd Russ Mullen – 59 minutes 23 seconds

- Burgess Hill 10 Kilometre race

1st Simon Heath – 35 minutes 31 seconds

2nd Louis Taub – 37 minutes 5 seconds

3rd Kevin Tourle – 37 minutes 22 seconds
The overall Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend winner was Russ Mullen, who completed the three races in a total time of 2 hours, 40 minutes and 11 seconds.

The highest placed woman was Annie Rebindaine, who completed the races in 3 hours 11 minutes and 7 seconds.

They each received the top prizes of dinner and an overnight stay for two at the Felbridge Hotel and Spa.

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend was organised by specialist race managers Nice Work on behalf of Mid Sussex District Council, with support from Burgess Hill, East Grinstead and Haywards Heath Town Councils.

The event was sponsored by Freedom Leisure, Mansell McTaggart, Crest Nicholson, The Orchards Shopping Centre in Haywards Heath and the Burgess Hill Town Centre Partnership.

A great deal of credit must also go to the many shops and local businesses that showed their support by contributing gifts and prizes.

“We had another great turnout for the Mid Sussex Marathon this year and it was fantastic to see so many youngsters, and people who are new to running, taking part in our Mid Sussex Mile events,” said Glen Wilkinson, Mid Sussex District Council leisure contract officer.

“I would like to thank race organisers Nice Work, our Town Council partners, all the sponsors and the many volunteers who gave up their time to make it all happen. We couldn’t have held the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend without you.”