27 October 2008 Saturday’s seventh Beachy Head Marathon saw a very special victory for Stuart Mills after he crossed the finish line first making it a record five wins for the University of Brighton lecturer.
Originally from New Zealand, Stuart Mills is a regular competitor in the gruelling 26-mile cross-country challenge and after narrowly missing out on the title in 2006 and 2007 was front of the race to claim his fifth victory last weekend in 3 hours 2 minutes.
Organised by Eastbourne Borough Council and sponsored by Rix and Kay Solicitors and Eastbourne Hospitality Association (EHA), this year’s Beachy Head Marathon enjoyed a dry day as 1,750 competitors from across the globe took over the South Downs for the UK’s largest off-road marathon.
Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “This year’s event was a brilliant success with plenty of spectators cheering on all the competitors around the course. There was a huge team of 140 volunteer stewards and marshals around the course, all helping the event to run smoothly - no wonder it’s been voted one of the top ten marathons in the country! I want to say special Congratulations to Stuart Mills for his record win and a huge Well Done to all those who took part, each taking on their own personal challenge.”
More women than ever before took part in this year’s marathon with Jackie Hartwell the first woman across the finish line. Running with the Bracknell Forest Runners, Jackie completed the course in 3 hours 41 minutes and finished in 28th place overall. A record 875 entrants finished the course within the magical six hour barrier this year, 82 more than in 2007.
The 2008 Beachy Head Marathon also saw a special challenge as Orpington’s Nigel Webb chose the South Downs course to complete his 100th marathon. Finishing in 4 hours 56 minutes, Nigel has clocked up over a staggering 1,200 miles in the past four years since completing his 50th marathon in Eastbourne in 2004.
Plus Nicola Watts from Crowborough completed the first leg of her triple marathon challenge in 4 hours 53 minutes. Nicola will now fly to New York to take part in next weekend’s marathon, followed by a trip to the Nice event on 9 November.
The Junior event took place again this year with over 100 children taking part in specially designed two and three kilometre courses making it a real family day out.
It was a family victory with a brother and sister win in both races. Catherine Horsfall-Turner triumphed in the two kilometre course in 8 minutes 41 seconds, and brother Andrew Horsfall-Turner came first in the three kilometre in 10 minutes 42 seconds.
The Beachy Head Marathon, voted amongst the top 10 UK routes by readers of Runners World, is already getting ready for the 2009 event and is scheduled to take place on Saturday 24 October 2009.
Organisers are appealing to anyone who thinks they can challenge Stuart to claiming his sixth victory and encourage potential runners, joggers and walkers to put April in their diaries when places for next year’s event will open.
There are also opportunities to help steward the event on the day and join the band of 140 volunteers whose contribution makes the event such a special day for all the runners, joggers and walkers who take part. E-mail events@eastbourne.gov.uk to find out about opportunities available.
For more information on the event and to see the 2008 results table visit the Marathon or Visit Eastbourne website.
