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About Sussex RunFest

Sussex RunFest is a weekend of running, talks, workshops, and good company in Haywards Heath. It’s grassroots, volunteer-run, supports good causes, and it's for every kind of runner.

What we’re about

Fun and informative

Group runs, games, and challenges sit alongside talks and workshops from interesting and inspiring people.

Welcoming to everyone

Whether you’re a parkrun regular, training for a marathon, or just getting started, you’ll fit right in.

Grassroots and volunteer-run

Organised by volunteers and created with local experts and clubs who offer their time.

Supporting local causes

We raise funds for important causes like Sport in Mind and the Whitemans Green Active Track.

How it started

In 2024, I came home from Love Trails Festival energised and keen to create something inspired by it in Mid Sussex. I pictured a community weekend mixing movement, learning, and connection, with the welcoming feel of parkrun, where a first-timer and someone chasing a PB are part of the same thing.

The brilliant Ben, Clare, and Jon joined me as the core team, and the four of us set about putting it together. The first Sussex RunFest happened in June 2025.

It’s quickly grown well beyond the four of us. Loads of friends now help out, and partners — from coaches and physios to speakers and local businesses — bring the whole thing to life. The idea is the same as when we started: it’s the kind of event we want to go to.

Tom Bond

The RunFest core team, Tom, Ben, Clare and Jon, in red RunFest 2025 t-shirts beside the first festival’s banner

RunFest so far

Since 2025, we've hosted two festivals and a 12-hour backyard ultra, featuring fantastic speakers and leaders, fostering new connections, and donating to good causes.

250+

Participants across 2 festivals and a backyard ultra

4.96

Out of 5 average rating from 2026 RunFest attendees

30

Runs, talks, workshops, classes, games, and challenges at RunFest 2026

£800

Raised for Sport in Mind and Whitemans Green Active Track

The audience at Sarah Webster's in-conversation session in Haywards Heath Methodist ChurchA large group holding a plank in a circle on a playing field, with a leader in a hi-vis vestPeople listening to a talk in a café, with the speaker and a slide on a screen at the front
“I never felt any pressure to perform above what I was comfortable doing, but always felt encouraged to enjoy myself and connect with those around me.”

2026 participant

Who makes it happen

Sussex RunFest is organised by a small team of volunteers, with lots more helping out over the weekend.

Speakers, instructors, and partners give their time and expertise, and local venues open their doors.

Where the money goes

Tickets cover the cost of putting the weekend on, including insurance, venue and equipment hire, and all the logistical things we need.

In addition, through RunFest 2026 and our Backyard Ultra, we raised £800 for good causes.

25–27 June 2027

What’s next

RunFest returns with a broader programme, a bit more breathing space (you told us 2026 was almost too full!), and more on sustainability and women in running.

Get 2027 updates

Speakers, instructors, venues, volunteers

Get involved

Could you give a talk, lead a session, lend a space, or lend a hand? We’d love to hear from you.

Get involved
HomeLook back at 2026Speakers and partnersAboutGet involved

Past events

RunFest 202612 Hour Backyard UltraSarah Webster in conversation
Terms and conditionsPrivacy PolicyGet in touch: sussexrunfest@gmail.com