Communities Committee agrees funding for 2027 Hailsham Community Run

Hailsham Town Council's Communities Committee has agreed to recommend further financial support for the Hailsham Community Run in 2027, as preparations gather pace for the event's fifth anniversary. The proposed contribution, which would continue the Town Council's support for the popular community sporting event, remains subject to approval by Full Council at its meeting in November.

Meanwhile, registration for the 2027 Hailsham Community Run opened on 1 October, giving participants the opportunity to secure their places for race day on Sunday 16 May 2027.

The event has grown considerably since its launch, attracting more than 1,000 participants in 2026 and becoming an established fixture in Hailsham's community calendar. The last three events have sold out, and organisers are encouraging those wishing to take part next year to register early.

Participants will once again be able to choose from 10k, 5k and 3k races, alongside the fully inclusive one-mile event, which welcomes people of different ages, abilities and levels of experience.

Project Lead Mary Laxton said: "Reaching our fifth year is a fantastic milestone, and we are hugely grateful to everyone who has helped the Community Run grow into the event it is today. The enthusiasm from participants and the wider community has been extraordinary, with the last three years selling out."

"Registration has been open since 1 October, so we would encourage anyone thinking about taking part to get their entry in as soon as possible. We also have 187 participants who deferred their places from last year following a date change caused by emergency roadworks, so there is already plenty of interest in 2027."

Five years of community participation

Since its first event, the Hailsham Community Run has brought together runners, walkers, families, schools, local organisations, charities, businesses and volunteers. Its fifth anniversary will celebrate that collective effort while providing another opportunity for people across the community to get active and involved.

Local businesses, schools, sports clubs, youth organisations, charities and community groups are encouraged to participate, enter teams, volunteer or use the event to raise funds for causes they support.

Colin Mitchell, Project Co-organiser, said: "What makes this event special is the way it brings so many different parts of Hailsham together. You have experienced runners chasing a personal best, people trying their first organised run, families taking part together and volunteers making sure everything comes together on the day."

"As we prepare for our fifth event, we want to build on that community spirit and encourage even more local groups and businesses to get involved. It is a real opportunity for people to support one another and celebrate everything that makes Hailsham such a great place to live."

Inclusion at the heart of the event

The fully inclusive one-mile event remains a key feature of the Hailsham Community Run, providing an opportunity for people with disabilities, long-term health conditions and additional accessibility needs to take part alongside family, friends and supporters.

Inclusivity Lead Karen Nicholls added: "We want people to know that they do not need to be a runner to be part of the Community Run. The one-mile event offers a welcoming way for people with different needs and abilities to experience race day, share the excitement and feel part of something bigger."

"The encouragement participants receive from volunteers, families and spectators makes a real difference. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we hope even more people will feel confident about joining us and enjoying the occasion in their own way."

Sponsorship and support

The organising team is also inviting businesses, sponsors and individuals to support the 2027 event through financial contributions, donated prizes, services or other assistance.

Sponsorship and community support help the organisers deliver an accessible, affordable and enjoyable event while ensuring it can continue to develop in future years.

Anyone interested in sponsoring or supporting the Hailsham Community Run can contact the organising team on 07723 444209 or email [email protected].

Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Town Council's Communities Committee, said: "The Hailsham Community Run has become a wonderful example of how local events can bring people together, encourage healthier lifestyles and strengthen community connections. Reaching its fifth anniversary is a significant achievement, and the enthusiasm it generates reflects the hard work of everyone involved."

"The committee's recommendation to provide further financial support recognises the value the event brings to Hailsham. This remains subject to Full Council approval in November, but we are pleased to support the proposal and hope the 2027 event will be another great success for participants, volunteers and the wider community."

Registration is now open, and further details about the races can be found at www.hailshamcommunityrun.co.uk. Updates will also be shared through the Hailsham Community Run’s social media channels in the lead-up to race day on Sunday 16 May 2027.