Events to get fit for in Eastbourne!

So January came and after being on the healthy side of Christmas, it was easy to go to the gym and ditch takeaways for salads. Then came February and the chance of falling off the wagon just got higher. We’ve put a few ideas together to work towards your fitness goal whilst enjoying Eastbourne. There are so many sporting events to get involved with and what great motivation to keep training!

• Eastbourne has another great year ahead planned for sports starting with the Eastbourne Half Marathon 2014, taking place on Sunday 2 March. The half marathon starts at Princes Park, taking runners down the length of the seafront, through Meads and the Sovereign Harbour. The aim is to raise as much money as possible for local charities. Over the last 9 years, the half marathon has raised over £110,000 for charities. What great motivation to take part! Time is of the essence though as it is just weeks away!

• Join in with the Eastbourne sports festival 17-18 May. The event allows a variety of sports taster sessions delivered across two days by local sports clubs and organisations using the four council’s sports centres; Sports Park, Hampden Park SC, Cavendish SC and Shinewater SC. The festival is for the whole family to enjoy, each participant pays just £1 per activity and it all goes to NSPCC. You can expect anything from scuba diving to golf and from kickboxing to football.

• If Cycling is your thing then there is plenty of time to train for the Eastbourne Cycling Festival on 1 June. Last year, there were 7 main events throughout the day, including the Eastbourne 5K, Eastbourne Dualthlon, Eastbourne Sportive and Eastbourne Road Racing along with Kid’s events and retail exhibitions. This year is set to be even better. So it’s time to get back on those wheels, raise some money for charity and enjoy a day surrounded by Eastbourne fantastic scenery.

• The Tour Of Sussex Cycle race is back after a successful year in 2013. The race on 4 – 6 July starts is set in three stages incorporating various climbs and sprints form Lewes to Eastbourne. This is a great event and worth training for!

• Having over 3 miles of un-spoilt beaches means that when it comes to swimming events in Eastbourne, the sea is the destination! Try the Eastbourne sprint triathlon and aquathlon on 12 July.

• If it urban sports you are in to then Eastbourne Extreme is for you. The weekend event takes place on 12 and 13 July at the Eastern end of the seafront. Visitors can expect to see and take part in water sports, skating, bmxing, roller derby and so much more!

• If you’re thinking long term and want a real challenge, then the Beachy Head Marathon or 10k is for you. Taking place on 25 October, the Beachy Head Marathon is a scenic gem and has been described by subscribers to Runners World as one of the most iconic events in the country. It covers 300 steps and 14 gates, passing through Jevington, Alfriston, Litlington, Friston Forest, The Cuckmere Valley and Seven Sisters, including Birling Gap and Beachy Head. 

Other events to work towards include Race for Life in the summer and The Santa Fun Run at Christmas.

Eastbourne is also the perfect place to get fit outdoors with over 3 miles of un spoilt seafront, and the South Downs National Park on the doorstep.

For more information on any of these events, go to www.visiteastbourne.com