21/06/2026
Heathfield Midsummer 10K 2026 Race Director's Report
The Heathfield Midsummer 10K once again proved to be a fantastic day of running, with 369 registered runners taking to the roads around Heathfield to enjoy one of the most scenic and challenging races in the Sussex running calendar.
The weather could hardly have been better, with clear blue skies and a welcome breeze that helped keep runners cool as they tackled the undulating course. Conditions were ideal for both racing and spectating, creating a wonderful atmosphere throughout the event.
Congratulations go to our race winners. The men's race was won by Alex Jefferys of Brighton Phoenix in an impressive time of 34 minutes and 41 seconds. The women's race winner was Alison Moore of Eastbourne Rovers AC, who crossed the line in a superb time of 42 minutes and 34 seconds. Congratulations to both runners and, indeed, to every runner who completed the course on the day.
A full list of results can be found on the Heathfield Runners website under the Results section.
As with all large-scale events, races such as the Heathfield Midsummer 10K simply could not take place without the support of an incredible team of volunteers. Heathfield Runners are fortunate to receive assistance not only from our own club members but also from runners representing other clubs, together with friends, family members and supporters from the local community.
Many people only see the race itself, but the preparation begins long before the starting horn sounds. On the Saturday afternoon and evening before the race, a dedicated team of around 25 volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare the venue and course. This included erecting marquees and gazebos, setting out signage and road markers, organising the event field and pitch layout, preparing the car parking areas, and constructing the start and finish areas, to name just a few of the many tasks required.
On race day, the volunteer team grew significantly. In total, more than 130 people helped make the event the success it was. Their enthusiasm, hard work and willingness to give up their time is what allows this event to continue year after year.
The many groups and individuals involved included our marvellous marshals positioned around the course; the Registration, HQ, Bag Drop and Lost Property teams; the car parking teams; the start and finish line crews; the timing company Sports Systems (Helen, Andy and Liam); the Phoenix Medical Team; the Graphic Corner Steven Farley (Race photos that are free to download on our website); the food marquee volunteers; the BBQ team; tea and coffee servers; our wonderful cake makers; raffle and tombola organisers; kit sales volunteers; children's games organisers; our event announcer; and the team at the Rugby Club for providing facilities.
Special thanks must also go to Keith Harrison for the sound system, the brilliant Scouts from Heathfield & Broad Oak and Punnetts Town who manned the water stations, thanks to The Traditional Cheese Dairy and the Star at Waldron for allowing the water stations to be positioned at their premises and the ever-entertaining Skulldrummery band, whose energy and enthusiasm helped create such a fantastic atmosphere throughout the day.
To every volunteer who contributed, whether in a visible role or working behind the scenes, thank you. While it is impossible to mention everyone individually, you all know who you are and the part you played. On behalf of Heathfield Runners, I extend my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you.
As with all successful events, there is a core group of individuals whose commitment throughout the year helps ensure everything comes together on race day. I would personally like to offer special thanks to Niki Marr, Rachel Wilson, Louise Waghorn, Gilly Nickols, Will and Fleur Blanford, Andy Parmenter, Gareth Jones, Gary Smith, Fiona Loveland Banfield, Maria Verney, Eleanor Wilkes, Lorraine Diplock, Keith Harrison, Andy Wren from, Chris Matthews, Phil Marr and his band of merry men, and Tracey Robinson.
Tracey deserves particular recognition for her outstanding work in organising what can only be described as a magnificent Mega Raffle. Thanks to her efforts, together with the generosity of local businesses and supporters, the raffle raised in excess of £1,500. The proceeds will be shared between St Wilfrid's Hospice and Heathfield Runners, making a positive contribution to both organisations.
I would also like to thank our sponsors, whose support is invaluable in helping us stage the event. Our principal sponsor this year was Sussex Plumbing Supplies, supported by Agrifactors (Southern) Limited, Co-op and Waitrose. We are extremely grateful for their continued support.
Also this year we had a number of spot prizes that were donated by The Outdoor Shop, Diverse Terrain and Intersport all from Lewes, thank you for these wonderful gifts, I am sure the runners who won them are very happy.
Finally, thank you to all the local companies and businesses who generously donated prizes to our Mega Raffle. Your support was greatly appreciated and helped make it such a tremendous success.
To all 369 runners who entered and supported this year's Heathfield Midsummer 10K, thank you for being part of another memorable event. We hope you enjoyed the race, the atmosphere and the hospitality that Heathfield Runners strives to provide. We look forward to welcoming you back again next year.
Thank you all for making the 2026 Heathfield Midsummer 10K such an outstanding success.
Mark Robinson – Heathfield Runners Race Director.
