Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend

Question 1

What is the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend?

Accepted Answer

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is a 3 day event commencing in East Grinstead on the 2nd of May with a 10 mile race, followed by the Haywards Heath 10 mile the 3rd of May and finishing in Burgess Hill on the 4th of May with a 10k.

Combined, these race make up the Mid Sussex Marathon. Participants can challenge themselves to complete an individual town race, or complete the full marathon distance over three days.

Each event will also include a family friendly Fun Run, ideal for all ages and a shorter, mile race. Participants may also take part in the Triple Mile... racing a mile on each day, to make up the triple mile.

Question 2

What does MSMW stand for?

Accepted Answer

MSMW stands for Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend

Question 3

Race Locations

Accepted Answer

Please choose the relevant location for your entry:

Day One: East Grinstead (Saturday 02 May 2026)
East Grinstead Rugby Club, St Hill Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4JU

Day Two: Haywards Heath (Sunday 03 May 2026)
Victoria Park, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 4LT

Day Three: Burgess Hill (Monday 04 May 2026)
Burgess Hill Academy, Station Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9EA

Question 4

Race HQ's

Accepted Answer

Please choose the relevant Race HQ for your entry:

Day One: East Grinstead (Saturday 02 May 2026)
The Race HQ will be located at the rugby club and will be open from 08:00. Please follow signs from the car park.

Day Two: Haywards Heath (Sunday 03 May 2026)
The Race HQ will be located in Victoria Park in the town centre. Registration will open at 08:00.

Day Three: Burgess Hill (Monday 04 May 2026)
The Race HQ will be located at Burgess Hill Academy.
The school can be accessed from Woodlands Meed, Chanctonbury Road and the town centre via the school entrance on Station Road. Please note, there are no dogs allowed at the event village.

Question 5

TImings / Race Day Schedule

Accepted Answer

Across all three days and locations, the race day schedule will take place as follows:
Race HQ & Registration opens: 08:00
Fun Run Start: 09:30
1 Mile Start: 10:00
Race Director's Briefing on the start line: 10:20
Main Race Start (10 Mile / 10k): 10:30

Question 6

Bag Drop

Accepted Answer

Across all three days and locations, runners are welcome to leave their bag at the unmanned baggage drop at Race HQ. However, this is done at your own risk and discretion. The team will not handle your bags and you will be responsible for labelling them clearly.

Question 7

Facilities

Accepted Answer

Available facilities are as follows:

Day One: East Grinstead (Saturday 02 May 2026)
We recommend arriving to run however there will be limited changing facilities available in the club house.

Day Two: Haywards Heath (Sunday 03 May 2026)
Unfortunately, there are no changing facilities available at this site so we recommend arriving ready to run!

Day Three: Burgess Hill (Monday 04 May 2026)
Unfortunately, there are no changing facilities available at this site so we recommend arriving ready to run!

Question 8

Parking

Accepted Answer

Available parking will be as follows:

Day One: East Grinstead (Saturday 02 May 2026)
There will be car parking available to participants and their supporters. Please follow the signs when you arrive.

Day Two: Haywards Heath (Sunday 03 May 2026)
Car parking is available in local car parks and off street behind Victoria Park.

Day Three: Burgess Hill (Monday 04 May 2026)
There will be limited car parking available for participants and spectators. Please use Queens Crescent Car Park, RH15 9DR or Town Centre Car Parks.

Question 9

Toilets

Accepted Answer

Toilets will be available as follows:

Day One: East Grinstead (Saturday 02 May 2026)
Within the Rugby Club there are toilets along with on-site catering.

Day Two: Haywards Heath (Sunday 03 May 2026)
Portable toilets will be provided at Race HQ.

Day Three: Burgess Hill (Monday 04 May 2026)
Portable toilets will be provided at Race HQ.

Please note, there will be no toilet provisions on the course for any MSMW event.

Question 10

Course, Terrain, Route Signage & Marshals

Accepted Answer

You can view the couse and download the relevant GPX at:
https://www.nice-work.org.uk/e/mid-sussex-marathon-weekend-9602/route-maps

And, here's the rest of the course information that you need to know!
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Day One: East Grinstead (Saturday 02 May 2026)

Start & Finish... All distances will start and finish in the same location, within the Race HQ
Main Race (10 Mile)... After a short road section in the rugby club grounds the route joins the footpaths and trails down to, and around, Weir Wood Reservoir. Virtually all of the route is off-road and traffic free. Participants then return to the Rugby Club for the finish.

Although there are swing gates and stiles on the course, all gates should be opened to ensure a clear passage. The route has been designed to avoid most stiles but you should be aware that you will have to deal with at least one or two. The course is undulating and has a couple of challenging uphill sections. Because it is a multi-terrain race, the course cannot be accurately measured but we believe it is as close as we can get to the distance using GPS technology.
Fun Run... The Mid Sussex Fun Run will be the first event of the day, starting at 9.30am. They are a great opportunity for young children, parents, and families to be involved in the Weekend event. Adults who are looking for a more relaxed and sedate event will find the Fun Runs ideal. Every finisher will receive a medal.
The Mile... The Mid Sussex Mile will be at 10am before the main race. The Mile races are aimed at junior runners, with every finisher receiving a medal, with trophies for the top Boys and Girls. Runners will receive a timing chip so they can get an exact time and placing. Junior Park runners will be eligible for a discount on presentation of their membership card or bar code.

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Day Two: Haywards Heath (Sunday 03 May 2026)

Start & Finish... The 10 mile starts on South Road High Street and finishes in Victoria Park. The fun run and mile race will both start and finish within Victoria Park.
Main Race (10 Mile)... Runners will start on South Road High Street before entering Victoria Park to complete two course loops covering roads, paths, trails and footpaths in and around Haywards Heath. Much of the route is off-road and mainly traffic free. The course is undulating and because it is a multi terrain race, the course can not be accurately measured. However, we believe that it is as close as we can get to the distance using GPS technology.
Fun Run... The Mid Sussex Fun Run will be the first event of the day, starting at 9.30am. They are a great opportunity for young children, parents, and families to be involved in the Weekend event. Adults who are looking for a more relaxed and sedate event will find the Fun Runs ideal. Every finisher will receive a medal.
The Mile... The Mid Sussex Mile will be at 10am before the main race. The Mile races are aimed at junior runners, with every finisher receiving a medal, with trophies for the top Boys and Girls. Runners will receive a timing chip so they can get an exact time and placing. Junior Park runners will be eligible for a discount on presentation of their membership card or bar code.

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Day Three: Burgess Hill (Monday 04 May 2026)

Start & Finish... All distances will start and finish in the same location, within the Race HQ
Main Race (10k)... Starting at The Burgess Hill Academy playing field and exits via Woodlands Meed School onto Chanctonbury Road. Runners then run up Chanctonbury Road to Nightingale Meadows where they do two laps of the fields before returning to the Academy by the same route. The course is undulating with several uphill sections.
Because this is a multi terrain race, much of it being on grass, the course can not be accurately measured. However, we believe that it is as close as we can get to the distance using GPS technology.
Fun Run... The Mid Sussex Fun Run will be the first event of the day, starting at 9.30am. They are a great opportunity for young children, parents, and families to be involved in the Weekend event. Adults who are looking for a more relaxed and sedate event will find the Fun Runs ideal. Every finisher will receive a medal.
The Mile... The Mid Sussex Mile will be at 10am before the main race. The Mile races are aimed at junior runners, with every finisher receiving a medal, with trophies for the top Boys and Girls. Runners will receive a timing chip so they can get an exact time and placing. Junior Park runners will be eligible for a discount on presentation of their membership card or bar code.

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Signage & marshals...
Your course will be clearly marked using large route arrows and directional cones, as well as being marshalled throughout. Please listen and obey all marshal instructions given. All marshals will remain in place until stood down by the sweep marshal.

Other route users
Please be aware that you are sharing the paths with other walkers, runners and cyclists, many of whom live locally. We ask that you race with care and remain courteous at all times.

Question 11

Kit & Footwear

Accepted Answer

We recommend trail shoes for each of the Mid Sussex Marathon races, if you have them. Otherwise, your favourite running shoes will be fine. We would advise that you keep a close eye on the forecast and come prepared to dress appropriately and with a spare change of clothes kept handy (incl. socks!), if necessary.

Question 12

Litter

Accepted Answer

Please do NOT drop litter. Bins will be provided, so please dispose of any litter correctly or take it home with you.

Question 13

Water Stations

Accepted Answer

For all races...

As well as a water station at the end of each race, there will be additional water stations on each course. For the East Grinstead & Haywards Heath, there will be a water station at approximately every 3 miles and for Burgess Hill there will be a water station at roughly 5k.

Whilst we will ensure that our water stations are well supplied, runners should ensure that they are fully hydrated and also consider carrying their own water.

Question 14

Spectators

Accepted Answer

We always welcome anyone that would like to cheer on our runners and join the good spirit of the race by lending their encouragement and support.

Question 15

Medals & Prizes

Accepted Answer

There will be a bespoke medal awarded to all finishers 10 mile races and the 10k.
In addition, we will be awarding trophies for 1st, 2nd & 3rd male and female winners. (for the main race on each day only)

Question 16

Prize Presentation

Accepted Answer

Weather permitting, the presentation will take place approximately 45 - 60 minutes after the first runner has crossed the finish line and when all the prize winners have arrived home each day.

Please listen for announcements from your Race Director.

Question 17

Results

Accepted Answer

Live and provisional results will be available on the Nice Work website asap after the race. We will also email them to you on the afternoon of the race. If you have any questions regarding the live results, please ensure that you have emailed this through to us by midday on the following Thursday. Any changes submitted after this time will not be included in the final results.

Question 18

Headphones

Accepted Answer

Only bone conducting headphones are permitted at this event.
If you are seen to be wearing in-the-ear or over-the-ear headphones by our Race Team or an England Athletics Adjudicator, then you are at risk of being disqualified.

Question 19

Age Restrictions

Accepted Answer

England Athletics govern the age restrictions for all of our races.
On the day of the race, you must be the following age for each distance:

10 Mile: 17 years or over
10k: 15 years or over

There is no age restriction for the Mile or the Fun Run events.

Question 20

Running with a buggy

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, due to the nature of these courses none of the MSMW events are suitable for running with a buggy.

Question 21

Can I walk my race?

Accepted Answer

Whilst many of our runners walk some brief sections of the race to catch breath, this race is designed for runners and is not suitable for walking the entire distance.

Question 22

Race Organiser

Accepted Answer

This race is hosted and organised by the team at Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend.
You find out more about them (& the race) at: https://midsussexmarathon.co.uk/

Nice Work provides event management and timing services for this event.

Question 23

First Aid & Fitness

Accepted Answer

First Aid Provision:
First Aid will be in attendance for the duration of the race.
Should you feel unwell at any stage of the race, please do not hesitate to wave down a marshal and they will call First Aid for you and ensure you are well cared for.

If you are unable to make your way to the next marshal point, please advise a fellow runner and ask them to notify a marshal of your location.

Your Health & Fitness
Before attempting to race we ask that you make sure you are 100% fit to do so. If you feel unwell or are carrying an injury, we would strongly recommend not taking part and only return to running once you feel fully fit to do so. If you are unsure if you are fit to run, please speak to your doctor.

Question 24

Photographer

Accepted Answer

We are pleased to let you know that there will be a photographer at the event and that photos will be available free of charge after the event. You will receive an email with a link to the gallery on the Monday after the event.

Question 25

Deferrals

Accepted Answer

We are pleased to let you know that deferrals to next year are possible for this event, providing that there are still places available available. Here's what you need to know:

Deferral deadlines
10:00 on the Friday before race day.

Deferral costs
A deferral costs £5 plus any difference in race fee.

Races you can defer to
You can defer to the same race in the following year. Please note, you can not defer your entry to any other race.

How to self-manage your deferral
Deferrals are something that the system allows you to self manage by working through the following steps:

1. Access your booking via the 'View Booking' link in your booking confirmation email.
2. Follow steps through to 'Manage Booking & 'Change Race'
3. When you click on 'Change Race' a little drop down will appear and you will need to scroll fractionally to see and select next year's race which may still be listed as 'provisional'
4. The system may ask you to reconfirm your booking details and prompt you to review your original booking form.
5. Once you have paid the deferral charge plus any difference in race fee, the system will move you from your original race and into the new one. An updated booking confirmation will be emailed out to you.

Deferral limit
There is no limit to the number of deferrals you can make but you will incur a deferral charge for each one.

If you have booked through a third party
If you have booked through a third party and can not access your booking via the Nice Work system to make your deferral, then please get in touch with our team by sending an email to info@nice-work.org.uk and we will be able to resend your booking confirmation with the link that you need.

If you have any problems then please don't hesitate to let us know and we will be happy to help.

Question 26

Transfers to another runner

Accepted Answer

We are pleased to let you know that transfers to another runner are possible for this race.

Transfer Deadlines:
10:00 on the Friday before race day.

Transfer Costs:
A transfer to another runner can be made free of charge.

How to self-manage your transfer:
Transfers are something that the system allows you to self manage by working through the following steps:

1. Access your booking via the 'View Booking' link in your booking confirmation email.
2. Follow steps through to 'Manage Booking & 'Transfer to someone else' and you will be guided through managing this transfer by the system.
3. Once you have entered the new runner's email, a transfer notification will be sent to them and they will need to accept the place and enter their full details to complete the process.
4. If you have already received your race bib prior to the transfer taking place, you will need to ensure that you give this to the new runner.

If you have any problems then please don't hesitate to let us know and we will be happy to help.

Question 27

Refunds

Accepted Answer

We believe that our policies for deferrals and transfers is one of the most flexible
and generous amongst race organisers and, for that reason, we do not offer refunds
of race entry fees for illness, injury, or any other reason. In much the same way as
you would not expect a refund for a theatre ticket if you were unable to attend, we
are unable to offer refunds for race entries sold.

Question 28

Merchandise

Accepted Answer

You can purchase an official MSMW T-shirt & Hoodie by clicking on the 'merchandise' tab above.

Alternatively, you can visit:
https://www.nice-work.org.uk/e/mid-sussex-marathon-weekend-9602/products

Preordered t-shirts & hoodies will be available to collect on race-day.
There is also a variety of very lovely Nice Work running gear available to add to your collection via the Nice Work Kit Shop (found in the main title menu).

Question 29

URUNN Training Partner

Accepted Answer

By entering this race you can access an exclusive 4-week trial with our digital training partner, URUNN.

URUNN is a next-generation running app built to support every runner, wherever their start line. Co-founded by Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah and elite coach Adam Clarke, URUNN offers highly personalised and flexible plans tailored to your specific race and fitness level, helping you become your strongest self, one run at a time.

Unlike generic training plans, URUNN builds every programme from scratch, designed specifically around your chosen race, distance, experience, and availability.

No copy-and-paste schedules. No one-size-fits-all templates. Just training that’s built for you. No two plans are the same. Because no two runners are the same.

Simply add the URUNN trial to your basket when you book - it's FREE - and you will be sent instant instructions to download the app and access your exclusive trial.

Find out more at:
https://www.nice-work.org.uk/contents/3428-meet-our-new-training-partner-urunn