31 October 2007
Last weekend’s sixth Beachy Head Marathon saw winner, Tim Short, enter the record books after completing the gruelling 26-mile course in just 2 hours 47 minutes, the fastest time yet for the famous South Downs challenge.
Organised by Eastbourne Borough Council and sponsored by Rix and Kay solicitors and Eastbourne Hospitality Association (EHA), this year’s Beachy Head Marathon enjoyed the driest conditions in the event’s six-year history. The Worshipful Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Mary Pooley, started the race with a bang at 9am sharp on Saturday 27 October and more than 1,500 entrants raced off across the beautiful South Downs with entertainment courtesy of Sovereign Radio.
Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “This year’s Beachy Head Marathon was a huge success and it was brilliant to see the runners set off in such fantastic conditions. There was a huge team of 120 volunteer stewards around the course, all helping the event to run smoothly, no wonder it’s one of the top ten marathons in this country! Well done to all those who took part and special congratulations to Tim for his record breaking time.”
International athlete, Tim Short, from London, spent this summer training in Europe ahead of Saturday’s event. The months of preparation certainly paid off as he made light work of the stiles, gates and steps around the course to finish in first position, ten minutes ahead of second place, Stuart Mills, a four times previous Beachy Head Marathon champion.
Annabelle Stearns from Kent, running with the Gravesend Road Runners, was the first woman across the finish line, completing the course in a formidable 3 hours 29 minutes to finish in 20th place overall. 793 competitors finished the course within the magical six hour barrier, with the final tape being crossed at 9 hours 19 minutes.
This year’s marathon also saw a special challenge as three-year-old Spencer Roberts, who is battling cancer, was carried across the finish line by dad, Paul, who took part to raise money to help his son’s fight against neuroblastoma.
A group of six elite athletes from across the country also entered the record books this year after they decided that once was not enough and successfully completed the Beachy Head Marathon twice, starting at 3.30am and finishing their second lap 13 hours later. One of them then flew off to take part in Monday’s Dublin marathon.
Juniors joined in the marathon fun too this year with the first ever junior event. 85 youngsters wanting to take on their own Beachy Head Challenge took part in specially adapted 2 and 3km routes, making it a real family day out.
It was a close call across the finish line in the 2km race, with Grace Cook completing the course in just 8 minutes 40 seconds, with Kirsty Ray hot on her heels just 2 seconds later.
It was a victory for the boys in the 3km course, with James Western completing the course in 11 minutes 15 seconds and Sarah Hughes was the first girl to sprint across the finish line in 12 minutes 3 seconds, achieving overall 7th position. On completion of their mini marathon, juniors were awarded with medals and Mars Bars, courtesy of Newsrack newsagent in Beatty Road.
The Beachy Head Marathon is already making the first preparations for next year’s event, scheduled to take place on Saturday 25 October 2008 and is appealing to anyone who thinks they can beat Tim’s record time. Places for next year’s challenge open in April and fill up fast. For more information on this year’s and next year’s event, including the 2007 results table, visit the Beachy Head Marathon website.
