14 October 2010 Organisers of the Beachy Head Marathon are putting a final call out for volunteers ahead of the 30th year of one of the country’s largest off-road events next weekend.
Next Saturday 23rd October, 1750 runners, joggers and walkers are set to descend on a challenging route taking in part of the new South Downs National Park, as the Beachy Head Marathon celebrates its 30th year in the UK’s sunniest place.
Covering a 26-mile cross-country course that includes 300 steps and 14 gates, a large team of volunteer stewards and marshals are needed to man the checkpoints and spur the entrants on and Eastbourne Borough Council are making a final plea for volunteers to come forward and help support the event, which raises thousands of pounds for local charities each year.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “It really is thanks to the hardy team of volunteers each year that make the Beachy Head Marathon such a successful and popular event. In its 30th year in 2010, the event has built up a fantastic reputation around the world attracting entries from as far as Germany, Romania, Denmark, Canada, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, France and America to take part this year. With such a large group of entries, the enthusiasm of marshals and stewards is invaluable in encouraging all of the participants on and 2010 presents a great chance to help out on one of the first sporting events to take place on our new National Park.”
The Worshipful the Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Carolyn Heaps will start the 26-mile course at 9am sharp with the event starting and finishing at St. Bede’s School at the foot of the South Downs.
Visitors and supporting family and friends are encouraged to come along to the start line and give the entrants a giant cheer as they set off with several points on the route offering a great chance to view the event, including a live band playing at Litlington.
With a brand new race clock and branding at the start point this year, the Beachy Head Marathon promises a great atmosphere for spectators as entrants cross the finish line and complete the route, which is voted amongst Runner’s World top 10.
Last year’s winner Stuart Mills bagged his sixth victory, finishing in first place and taking just 3 hours 3 minutes to complete the course. The first finishers are again expected to cross the finish line around 11.45am with a steady stream through until the last entrant home about 6.30pm.
For more information on this year’s Beachy Head Marathon, which is organised by Eastbourne Borough Council alongside Eastbourne Hospitality Association (EHA), go to the Marathon website. To find out about volunteering contact the Events team on 01323 415442.
