October 19th, 2011.
Organisers of a Runners World top 10 marathon are calling for hundreds of spectators to come along and cheer on 1,750 entrants this Saturday as they take part in the challenging Beachy Head Marathon.
One of the country’s largest off-road marathons returns to Eastbourne this Saturday, 22 October, and promises plenty of vantage points across the South Downs National Park for supporters to cheer on the entrants.
The event covers a 26-mile cross-country course that meanders through the villages of Jevington, Alfriston, Litlington, Friston Forest, the Cuckmere Valley, Seven Sisters, Birling Gap and Beachy Head, and entrants rely on plenty of spectator encouragement to complete the gruelling sporting event that raises thousands of pounds for local charities each year.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure, Cllr Neil Stanley said “We have a packed line up of entrants ready to take part in the Beachy Head Marathon this weekend and I’d like to wish them all the best of luck. Notoriously one of the country’s toughest courses, I’d love to see more spectators than ever before come along to cheer the entrants on, particularly at the start and finish line, giving the entrants some much needed encouragement as they set off and a big cheer as they return.”
This weekend’s event will see walkers, runners and joggers from around the world taking part with many entrants setting off to achieve their own personal challenges, including runner 100 who has completed over 100 marathons in just two years after being a self-confessed couch potato.
A huge team of volunteer stewards and marshals will be on hand to guide entrants around the course and provide much needed refreshments, with the route taking in the highs and lows of the South Downs including 300 steps and 14 gates.
New for 2011, the UK’s no.1 sports recovery nutrition brand, For Goodness Shakes, will join supporters at the finish line to hand out free samples as entrants complete the ultimate South Downs challenge. Keen athletes also have the chance to win the ultimate recovery pack from For Goodness Shakes from the official Beachy Head Marathon website.
The Worshipful the Deputy Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Mike Thompson will start the 26-mile course at 9am sharp on Saturday with the event starting and finishing at St. Bede’s School at the foot of the South Downs. The first runners are expected back at around 11.45am with a steady stream through until the last one home at 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), with sponsorship from Bookers and Eastbourne Motoring Centre / Eastbourne Suzuki go to the Beachy Head Marathon website.
