Author: Andrew Taylor

The local business community has pulled together to show their support for the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, which takes place on 3, 4 and 5 May 2014.

Local companies have lined up to become official sponsors and to give their backing to the exciting Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend.

Freedom Leisure, Mansell McTaggart, Crest Nicholson, The Orchards Shopping Centre in Haywards Heath and the Burgess Hill Town Centre Partnership are the five main sponsors of the event and the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend would simply not be possible without their financial support. Many other local businesses have chosen to get behind the event by contributing prizes that encourage people to get involved.

Runners lining up to take part in the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend will find their efforts well rewarded thanks to a fantastic range of prizes that have been donated by generous local businesses. Hamilton Studios in East Grinstead has provided a free photo shoot and print worth £95, Haywards Heath based personal training specialists Fit for Moore are offering 3 month training courses and Smiles & Styles in Burgess Hill is giving away vouchers for free hair and beauty treatments as well as a selection of pampering products for men and women.

The overall winners of the Men’s and Women’s Marathon will receive dinner and an overnight stay for two courtesy of the Felbridge Hotel and Spa.

Race day prizes are not just for adults, youngsters will have the chance to win as well. The top three finishers in each age category of the Mid Sussex Mile races will receive a free swimming session at a nearby Mid Sussex District Council leisure centre courtesy of centre operators Freedom Leisure.

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is 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.

There is still time for local companies to get involved and any businesses that would like to support this unique event should contact Glen Wilkinson at Glen.Wilkinson@midsussex.gov.uk or by calling 01444 477207.

“The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is a fantastic event for the whole community and I’m delighted that local companies have been so quick to show their support and get involved”, said Councillor Frank Osborne, East Grinstead Town Council Member for Amenities and Tourism. “The generous donations we have already received from local businesses have ensured there are plenty of terrific prizes for runners to win by taking part in the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend this year.

“The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is a unique event that appeals to families, fun runners and long-distance athletes. The marathon distance is split over three races on three consecutive days, so you can pick the distance that’s right for you.

“Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome so if you’re not already registered then what are you waiting for? Sign up today.”

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend begins with a 10-mile race in East Grinstead on Saturday 3 May, moves to Haywards Heath for a 10-mile race on Sunday 4 May and finishes with a 10-kilometre race in Burgess Hill on Monday 5 May. Combined, the three races cover a total of 26.2 miles – the classic marathon distance. Younger runners aged 8-11 and 12-14 years, as well as adults who are new to running, will be able take part in Mid Sussex Mile races in each of the three towns.

Full details on the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, including information on how to enter online or by post, are available at www.midsussexmarathon.co.uk.