HAILSHAM came alive this weekend (18 May) with 1,000 participants taking part in the third annual Community Run, which saw groups and individuals come to the town from right across the south-east.
Brian Palfreman reports…
Let’s start with a thank you to all the amazing Organisers, Volunteers, and Sponsors for making the Hailsham Community Run 2025 such a success.
The weather came out in support as well as Hailsham residents, who lined the streets to encourage all those taking part, mostly for worthy charities.
We chatted with many of the runners before and afterwards, and the response was extremely positive, with many promising to return next year. Numbers will hopefully be nearer 1,200 next year, following a sell-out of 1,000 participants this year.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PHOTO GALLERY OF THE EVENT
Lots of visitors from other areas for this year’s event, as you will see from the results, especially running clubs in the whole of Sussex and visitors from Kent and London.
In the first event, the 3k Run, young and old, mums, dads and children took part and ran in a wonderful, happy atmosphere.
First over the line was Junior visitor Cobey Buckley (645) from Hastings in a great 11m 05s, closely followed by in second place was Junior Boy Riley Ayre (605) from Worthing in 11m 29s. Third over the line was Local Junior Sonny Sterling (928) in 11m 44s.
In the second event, the 5k run, the first person over the line overall, in an impressive time of 17m 00, was local Eastbourne Rovers AC Luke Tomsett (472). Second home was Richard Davies (343), also from Eastbourne Rovers AC, in a very respectable 17m 25s. He was closely followed by Matthew Chee (330) from Portslade Hedgehoppers, in 18m 39s.
First female, following her second place last year, was Emily Leszniwski (398) in another good time of 22m 17s. Second place went to Jenni Wainwright (484) in 22m 47s, closely followed by our Junior Lewes AC Runner, Jess Wickham (494) in 23m 01s.
The 10k run was a fantastic event, with the first three all very close at the finish, and first over the line was Crowborough Runners Oliver Welch (169) in a great time of 37m12s.
Second close behind was Hastings AC Runner Will Withecombe (171) in 37m 25s, just two seconds ahead of third place, Crowborough Runners Will Isted (77) in 37m 27s. Fourth place was clinched just 11 seconds later by Mike Leigh (180) from Polegate Plodders in an excellent time of 37m 36s.
First female over the line in a speedy 42m 04s was Hailsham Harrier Claire Keith (82). Second and third went to Lewes AC Runners, Emily Hague (67) in 44m 57s and in third was Sally Norris (115) in 45m 03s.
Many other winners, including the 1-mile race are available at www.live.sportsystems.co.uk.
The next event has been confirmed for Sunday, 17th May 2026, with registration open from 1st October 2025.
