Following another successful year for the Hailsham Community Run, anticipation is already building for the event’s landmark fifth anniversary on Sunday 16 May 2027 – and prospective participants are being reminded that registration opens on Thursday 1 October.
With just weeks to go before entries officially open, runners, walkers, families, supporters and volunteers are being encouraged to put the date in their diaries and get ready to secure their place.
Part-sponsored by Hailsham Town Council in recent years, the Hailsham Community Run has grown significantly since its launch, attracting more than 1,000 participants in 2026 and establishing itself as a major community sporting event in East Sussex.
The 2027 event will once again offer a choice of 10k, 5k and 3k races, alongside the popular fully inclusive one-mile event, giving people of different ages, abilities and levels of experience the opportunity to take part.
The fifth anniversary event is set to be a particularly special occasion, with organisers planning to build on the success of previous years while continuing to put community participation, accessibility and inclusivity at the heart of the day.
For anyone hoping to take part, the key date is Thursday 1 October, when registration officially opens.
Project Lead Mary Laxton said: “The response to the Hailsham Community Run over the past few years has been fantastic, and we are incredibly excited to be preparing for our fifth anniversary. It’s been a sell out event for the last three years.”
“We know many people are already looking forward to next year’s event, so we wanted to give everyone plenty of notice that registration opens on 1 October. Whether you are an experienced runner, someone taking on your first event, a regular walker or simply want to be part of the community atmosphere, there will be a place for you.”
“Worth mentioning is that 187 participants had to defer their places from last year due to a date change resulting from emergency roadworks at the time, so it’s best to sign up quickly.”
“Our fifth anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate everything the Community Run has become and the incredible support it receives from participants, volunteers, sponsors and the wider Hailsham community. We are looking forward to making 2027 a very memorable year.”
Since its inaugural event, the Hailsham Community Run has continued to develop, bringing together participants, families, volunteers, charities, local organisations and businesses.
The fifth anniversary will provide an opportunity to celebrate that journey while looking ahead to the future of the event.
Local schools, youth organisations, sports clubs, charities, community groups and businesses are being invited to get involved by entering teams, volunteering, supporting participants or using the event to raise funds for causes close to their hearts.
Inclusivity continues to be a central part of the Community Run, with the fully inclusive one-mile event designed to enable participants with disabilities, long-term health conditions and additional accessibility needs to enjoy race day alongside family, friends and supporters.
Inclusivity Lead Karen Nicholls commented: “The one-mile event is a really important part of the Community Run because it demonstrates that taking part is not about how fast you can run or how far you can go – it is about being included.”
“We want everyone to feel that race day is an occasion they can enjoy and be part of. The support and encouragement shown by participants, families and spectators creates a wonderful atmosphere, and we are looking forward to welcoming even more people to the fifth anniversary event.”
Project Co-organiser Colin Mitchell added: “There is a real sense of excitement building as we approach our fifth year. The Community Run has developed enormously, but its success still comes down to the people who give their time, take part and support it.”
“We would love to see even more local organisations, businesses and community groups getting involved in 2027. Registration opening on 1 October is the next big milestone, so we are encouraging everyone to get ready and be part of what promises to be a fantastic fifth anniversary celebration.”
The organising team is also welcoming interest from businesses, sponsors and individuals who would like to support the 2027 event through financial sponsorship, donated prizes, services or other contributions.
Their support plays an important role in helping the Community Run remain an affordable, accessible and high-quality event while continuing to grow.
Anyone interested in supporting the event or becoming a sponsor can contact the organising team on 07723 444209 or email marylaxton70@gmail.com.
Further information about the 2027 races and registration will be available at www.hailshamcommunityrun.co.uk when entries open.
Regular announcements and updates will also be shared through the Hailsham Community Run’s social media channels in the run-up to the fifth anniversary.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk