Increase for Local Charities from Beachy Head Marathon

More than 10 Eastbourne charities can look forward to an even bigger boost this year as organisers of the country’s largest off road marathon make a record donation to the volunteer groups who helped to make the 2010 event such a huge success.

The 30^th Beachy Head Marathon took place last October and attracted 1,750 runners, walkers and joggers from around the globe to take part in the cross-country challenge that takes in the new South Downs National Park.

The Worshipful Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Carolyn Heaps will be donating a record £5,000 to the volunteer groups and charities who assist in staging the event at a Town Hall presentation next week, a 20% increase on last year’s donations.

The Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “I am extremely pleased to be able to make this special presentation and pass on our many thanks to the hardy teams of volunteers who help to make the Beachy Head Marathon such a huge success and one of the country’s most popular courses.

“From providing marshals to man checkpoints to providing safety provision or handing out refreshments, combined with endless encouragement and support for everyone taking part, their assistance really is invaluable. I am delighted to present the teams with this year’s donation and bring the total donations up to an impressive £40,000 over the past nine years. Bring on the 31^st year of the Beachy Head Marathon this October!”

On Wednesday 26^th January at 6.30pm, the volunteer groups and charities 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, which is organised by Eastbourne Borough Council.

The charities and groups that will receive cheques are:

• Beachy Head Ramblers  

• HM Coastguard Service – Birling Gap 

• HM Coastguard Service – Eastbourne 

• Eastbourne Voluntary Lifeguards

• Raynet

• Rotary Club of Hailsham

• Eastbourne Sea Cadets

• St John Ambulance

• Seaford Striders

• Mayor of Eastbourne’s Charity - Eastbourne Carers and YMCA

Entries for the 2011 Beachy Head Marathon, returning to Eastbourne on Saturday 22^nd October, are already open exclusively via Runners World online and entrants are encouraged to sign up quickly to guarantee their place on the challenging 26-mile event.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help with this year’s event can contact the Events team on 01323 415442. For more information visit the Beachy Head Marathon website or telephone 0871 663 0031.