Sussex

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/73.jpg" alt="Jogger ready to run" /></figure>



It&#8217;s the London Marathon this weekend and if you&#8217;re looking to add some of that purpose, passion and sheer sweat-drenched determination to your own life, you&#8217;re in the right place. From bring-the-dog 5-milers to mud runs and epic ultras, beachy seafront halves to hilly inland challenges, Sussex has races for runners of all levels in the coming months – not to mention some stunning backdrops. Whether you&#8217;re a rookie runner or a committed pavement pounder in pursuit of a personal best, these local races will put you through your paces. See you at the finish line! 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mid-sussex-marathon-weekend"><a href="https://midsussexmarathon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mid-Sussex Marathon Weekend</a> </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/71.jpg" alt="Races to train for in Sussex in 2026" class="wp-image-82314" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/71.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/71-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/71-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/71-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



When: 2–4 May&nbsp;



££: £7–£80



What to expect: three towns, three races, three days – and 26.2 miles. The 15th annual weekender delivers mixed-terrain thrills over the May Bank Holiday weekend, with the chance to tackle all three or pick from East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill. There’s also a Fun Run. Picturesque and family-friendly.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-forts-challenge"><a href="https://www.threefortschallenge.org.uk/e/three-forts-challenge-8513" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Three Forts Challenge</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-410.jpg" alt="3 Forts Challenge" class="wp-image-82313" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-410.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-410-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-410-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-410-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



When: 3 May&nbsp;



££: £20–£49



What to expect: a Sussex tradition since 1977, this South Downs race is powered by community spirit, offering spacious routes and coastal views as well as challenge. Not for nothing is it known as ‘the tough one’. It starts in Lancing, and with route options from a full marathon to a 5-mile trail run, you can even take the dog, aka your favourite pacemaker.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worthing-half-marathon"><a href="https://run-fest.com/worthing/worthing-half-marathon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Worthing Half Marathon</a> </h3>



When: 3 May&nbsp;



££: £38.50–£44.50&nbsp;



What to expect: a seafront road race offering pancake-flat expanses and beachy breezes, with a music-filled after-party in the Beach House Grounds. Finishers’ tees and bespoke bottle-opener medals!&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mud-monsters-run-east-grinstead"><a href="https://www.mudmonstersrun.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mud Monsters Run</a>, East Grinstead</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/mud_monsters.png" alt="Mud Monsters Run, Sussex" class="wp-image-84350" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/mud_monsters.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/mud_monsters-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/mud_monsters-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/mud_monsters-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Mud Monsters Run</figcaption></figure>



When: 17 May



££: £18–£120



What to expect: messy fun that more than lives up to its name, this inclusive, family-friendly mud run and obstacle course adventure is for runners of all ages. Walk, jog or trot a 3km, 5km or 10km route combining fields, woods, puddles, swamps and streams. And yes, there&#8217;ll be mud. Every runner receives a medal plus free photos to download, and you&#8217;ll be raising funds for some seriously worthy causes. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-race-to-the-king-west-dean-gardens-chichester"><a href="https://www.thresholdtrailseries.com/threshold-trail-series-2026/race-to-the-king/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Race to the King</a>, West Dean Gardens, Chichester</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/racetotheking.png" alt="Race to the King ultramarathon, Sussex" class="wp-image-84352" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/racetotheking.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/racetotheking-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/racetotheking-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/racetotheking-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Race to the King</figcaption></figure>



When: 20 Jun



££: from £30



What to expect: a challenge fit for royalty? This ultra&#8217;s certainly epic, with a route that ranges from 30km loops to the full 100km, roaming coastwards from West Dean and heading back inland all the way to Arundel Castle. Whatever your course, the views will be worth sweating over, and since the Summer Solstice is nigh, you can take advantage of almost 16 hours of daylight to complete your run. The finish line features a photographer and a live MC. Also, food and drink!



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-run-the-seasons-summer-race-cowdray-estate-midhurst"><a href="https://rawenergypursuits.co.uk/summer-run-the-seasons-cowdray-7pm-friday-26th-june-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Run the Seasons Summer Race</a>, Cowdray Estate, Midhurst</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-409.jpg" alt="Cowdray Estate Run the Seasons Race" class="wp-image-82311" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-409.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-409-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-409-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-409-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



When: 26 Jun



££: £15–£27.50 



What to expect: the finale to the Cowdray series is based at Cowdray’s famous polo grounds with a BBQ and bar, and luxury hampers presented to the lucky winners. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-housedean-half"><a href="https://www.thesouthcoastseries.co.uk/the-housedean-half" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Housedean Half </a></h3>



When: 29 Jun



££:&nbsp;



What to expect: farm to field running? Begin at beautiful Housedean Farm and follow a route that gently climbs up to Ashcombe Bottom before heading towards Offham and up Mount Harry&nbsp;for 360-degree South Downs views. There’s a 10K option, too.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlehampton-10k"><a href="https://run-fest.com/littlehampton/littlehampton-10k/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Littlehampton 10K</a></h3>



When: 12 Jul



££: £25–£32



What to expect: looking for a run that’s fast, fun and flat? Head to the UK’s longest beach, for colourful beach huts, award-winning architecture and participant goodies including a free finisher’s photo.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barns-green-half-marathon-near-horsham"><a href="https://runbarnsgreen.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barns Green Half Marathon</a>, near Horsham&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/free_trainers_puddle.png" alt="Park joggers" class="wp-image-84360" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/free_trainers_puddle.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/free_trainers_puddle-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/free_trainers_puddle-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/free_trainers_puddle-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



When: 27 Sep



££: £15.50–£28.50&nbsp;



What to expect: races for everyone, from a ‘junior jog’ for age 4 and up to a full half marathon. Perks include free parking, a professional warm-up and ample water stations, as well as chip timing and pacers.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hove-prom-10k-hove"><a href="https://www.nice-work.org.uk/e/hove-prom-10k-9600" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hove Prom 10k</a>, Hove</h3>



When: 18 Oct



££: £18-£20



What to expect: a friendly atmosphere, all abilities welcome, and of course pancake flat terrain. The race is making a donation to Amaze Sussex, so you&#8217;ll be helping a local good cause as well as testing yourself alongside seasoned runners and beginners. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beachy-head-marathon"><a href="https://www.visiteastbourne.com/marathon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beachy Head Marathon</a> </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-406.jpg" alt="Beachy Head Marathon" class="wp-image-82306" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-406.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-406-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-406-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Untitled-design-406-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



When: 24-25 Oct&nbsp;



££: £28.99–£69.99&nbsp;



What to expect: there are some seriously challenging ups and downs, and it’s hard to beat the stunning scenery. Choose from an ultramarathon (only for runners who’ve completed a marathon in under five hours), a half marathon and a 10K – all feature breathtaking National Park surrounds.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lancing-10k-lancing"><a href="https://www.mccpromotions.com/e/lancing-10k-3750" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancing 10k</a>, Lancing</h3>



When: 1 Nov



££: £16



What to expect: If you&#8217;re new to running, this would be a great one to train for. It&#8217;s later in the year than most, giving you plenty of time to clock up the miles before winter hibernation set in, and the route offers sea views as well as glimpses of Lancing College&#8217;s chapel, so there&#8217;s ample inspiration en route. 



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Feeling inspired by the London Marathon? Local races to train for now

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