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Lewes AC Athletes Impress in 2026 Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend and Grand Prix
Members of Lewes Athletic Club delivered an outstanding series of performances across the Bank Holiday weekend, competing in both the Sussex Grand Prix fixture at the Haywards Heath 10 Mile race and the demanding 2026 Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend challenge.
The 2026 Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is a unique three-day running event held across the Sussex countryside. It features multi-terrain races in East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, and Burgess Hill. Covering a combined marathon distance of 26.2 miles, the event tests both endurance and consistency. This year’s conditions were ideal, with warm but not excessive sunshine.
Five Lewes AC members successfully completed the full three-race challenge, beginning with the East Grinstead 10-mile race on 2nd May. Ben Peters led the field, finishing as 1st male in an impressive time of 1:04:01. Amy Fines placed 5th woman and 2nd senior female (1:26:57). Claire Raitt secured 2nd place in the Female Vet 60 category (1:52:02), with Anna Nicol-Smits and Jane Holford finishing 7th and 8th respectively in the same category.
The second race on 3rd May, the Haywards Heath 10 Mile, also part of the Sussex Grand Prix, saw Ben Peters continue his strong form, finishing 2nd overall and 2nd senior male in a swift 58:23. Amy Fines placed 9th senior female (1:24:12), while Claire Raitt, Anna Nicol-Smits, and Jane Holford again competed strongly in the Female Vet 60 category.
The final stage on 4th May in Burgess Hill, a 10k race, capped off an excellent weekend. Ben Peters secured 2nd male and 1st senior male in 38:20. Amy Fines placed 9th woman and 2nd senior female (50:28), while Claire Raitt claimed 1st place in the Female Vet 60 category (1:09:11). Anna Nicol-Smits and Jane Holford completed the trio of races with determined performances.
In addition to those completing the full weekend challenge, two Lewes AC runners competed solely in the Haywards Heath 10 Mile as part of the Sussex Grand Prix. Helen Bowman achieved 2nd place in the Female Vet 55 category (1:27:35), while Bob Hughes secured 1st place in the Male Vet 75 category (1:30:54).
“We’re incredibly proud of how our athletes performed over the Bank Holiday weekend. It really showcased Lewes Athletic Club’s strength across all age groups and distances, and just as importantly, the enjoyment our members get from taking part and their real love of a challenge,” said Lewes AC Chair, Philip Westbury.