Town to host first leg of split marathon weekend

EAST Grinstead will host one leg of a new three-part marathon expected to attract hundreds of runners to the area.

The Sussex Living Marathon Weekend will see the classic 26-mile distance split between East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Olympic hockey gold medallist Richard Leman will start the race with members of the current Great Britain Hockey team.

Richard Leman, who won gold in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, said: "East Grinstead is a very vibrant sports community and, as far as I'm aware, it's never organised a marathon.

"The concept of bringing the three days together in one event is a great idea. It's aimed at getting everybody to take part and have a go."

A sports taster will also be held in the town as part of the marathon weekend.

East Grinstead Town Council leader Norman Webster said: "It will attract a great many visitors to the town for an event everyone can enjoy. I hope as many people as possible will take up the challenge."

The town's route is yet to be confirmed, but the organisers say it will include footpaths and trails around East Grinstead Sports Club.

All proceeds will go to the town's Access Group and Meridian Rotary.

Daryl Farmer, 37, of High Street, is completing an ongoing 1,250-mile charity run. He says he would like to take part in the marathon weekend to help him reach his goal.

He said: "Running has definitely grown (around here) from when I started training."

The first leg of the marathon weekend will be in East Grinstead on Saturday, May 5, over a 10-mile course, with a second 10-mile leg in Haywards Heath the next day.

The final leg of six miles will be in Burgess Hill on Monday, May 7, giving a combined total of 26 miles.

Runners can enter each race separately, but those who complete all three legs will receive a commemorative medal.

There will also be children's races.

East Grinstead Town Council has encouraged businesses to get involved by entering teams, by sponsoring the races, or by offering discounts to runners taking part.

Details on how to enter can be found at www.nice-work.org.uk