18 January 2010 More than 10 Eastbourne charities can look forward to a boost this week as the country’s largest off road marathon makes a record donation to the volunteer groups who helped to make the 2009 event such a huge success.
The eighth Beachy Head Marathon, which took place last October, saw 1,750 runners, joggers and walkers from around the world take to the South Downs to complete the 26-mile cross country challenge. Donating a total of £4,125 this year to the volunteer groups and charities who assisted with staging one of the UK’s most popular marathons, it means that since the marathon was re-launched in 2002, more than £35,000 has been given to local charities.
On Wednesday 20 January, the volunteer groups are being invited to the Mayor’s Parlour at the Town Hall where they will be presented with a cheque as a Thank You for their help in staging the Beachy Head Marathon, organised by Eastbourne Borough Council.
The Worshipful Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Greg Szanto said “I am very pleased to be able to pass on our Thanks to the hardy volunteers who help to make the Beachy Head Marathon such a huge success. From marshalling checkpoints to providing safety provision and plenty of enthusiasm and encouragement at refreshment stations, their assistance is invaluable and I am delighted that we can give something back to the organisations that help to make this brilliant tourism event run so smoothly.”
The charities and groups that will receive cheques totalling more than £4,000 on Wednesday evening are:
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Beachy Head Ramblers
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HM Coastguard Service – Birling Gap
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HM Coastguard Service – Eastbourne
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Eastbourne Voluntary Lifeguards
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Raynet
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Rotary Club of Hailsham
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Eastbourne Sea Cadets
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St John Ambulance
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Seaford Striders
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Action Medical Research
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Mayor of Eastbourne’s Charity - Eastbourne & South Wealden Multiple Sclerosis Society
The Beachy Head Marathon returns to Eastbourne this autumn on Saturday 23 October. Entries are expected to open early this spring and budding entrants will be able to enter online through Runners World or download an entry form from VisitEastbourne.com. Anyone wishing to volunteer to help with this year’s event can contact the Events team on 01323 415442.
For more information visit the Marathon website or telephone 0871 663 0031.
