Thousands of children take part in the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend Schools Challenge 2026

Over 3,400 children from across Mid Sussex have taken part in the 2026 Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend Schools Challenge, continuing a community initiative that began during the pandemic and has since grown into a major annual celebration of children’s health, wellbeing and physical activity.

Held between 20 April and 1 May 2026, the Schools Challenge engaged 3,430 children across 16 schools throughout Mid Sussex. Participants completed either a kilometre or a mile challenge and each child received a certificate to recognise their achievement and participation.

Originally launched in 2020 to help keep the children of key workers active during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Schools Challenge has evolved into a hugely successful community movement that now reaches thousands of young people every year.

The initiative is sponsored by Roche Diagnostics UK & Ireland and managed by AHS Wellbeing, Places Leisure and Mid Sussex Active, on behalf of Mid Sussex District Council and the Town Councils of East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill.

The challenge forms part of the wider Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend programme, which promotes physical activity, community spirit and healthy lifestyles across the district.

Senior Leader Robin Burgess from Roche Diagnostics UK & Ireland, said: "We are incredibly proud to sponsor the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend Schools Challenge for a sixth consecutive year.

“At Roche Diagnostics, we care about helping our local community stay healthy and active and seeing that spirit on race weekend makes our work feel much more meaningful. I've seen first hand the energy of the students and the dedication of the teachers to make this a success. We are also grateful to AHS Wellbeing and the Mid Sussex Active team for their partnership in bringing this inspiring event to life.”

Holly Prescott, PE and Sport Strategic Manager at Mid Sussex Active, said: “Seeing more than 3,400 children from across Mid Sussex Schools take part in the 2026 Mid Sussex Marathon Schools Challenge has been truly inspiring. The enthusiasm and determination shown by every participant reflects exactly what this event is all about — encouraging young people to get active, challenge themselves and enjoy being part of something bigger together. We are incredibly proud of all the children, schools, teachers and volunteers who helped make this year’s challenge such a success.”

Simon Adby, Managing Director at AHS Wellbeing, said: “Since the Schools Challenge began in 2020, more than 13,000 children have taken part. It’s incredibly rewarding to think that for many of those children, this may have sparked a long-term enjoyment of running and other physical activities, demonstrating just how impactful small community initiatives like this can be.”

Councillor representatives and organisers praised the enthusiasm shown by schools, teachers, parents and pupils alike, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for children to be active, build confidence and enjoy movement in a supportive environment. The continued success of the Schools Challenge reflects the strong partnership working between local organisations, schools and community leaders committed to improving health and wellbeing opportunities for young people across Mid Sussex.