10 Reasons to Sign Up to the Beachy Head Marathon!

The Beachy Head Marathon is less than six weeks away now and whilst it's important to have undergone some marathon training before signing up, there is still time and a small remainder of places to enter the race! Here are 10 reasons why you should enter the Beachy Head Marathon today and and take part in a fantastic sporting event on the stunning South Coast!

1. Where else can you run a marathon whilst being surrounded by the UK's highest chalk sea cliffs?

2. The Beachy Head Marathon has previously been featured in Runner's World Top 10 UK races, therefore it's one for the marathon runner's bucket list!

3. It may be one of the toughest marathon's in the UK to run, however past runners have described the marathon course as exhilarating and it makes the achievement of running it all the more incredible!

4. There aren't many sporting challenges in the UK (or the world) where you are able to see such incredibly beautiful sights whilst running 26 miles! The marathon route takes in the breathtaking beauty of the Seven Sisters, Friston Forest, some quaint Sussex villages, the Cuckmere Valley and lots more gorgeous coastal scenery!

5. Not only is it one of the most notable marathon's in the UK, it's also a world famous marathon which attracts runners from over 14 different countries, including America, Austrailia, Germany and New Zealand.

6. The event is renowned for it's great atmosphere and support from the crowds which really makes a difference when you're struggling with those hills! There's also incredible support from the marathon marshals who volunteer their time to help keep the runners motivated.

7. Live music along the route also adds extra encouragement when the going gets tough!

8. Cooler October temperatures, together with the coastal breeze means that you won't be beaten or worn out by hot temperatures whilst running!

9. There are multiple checkpoints along the 26 mile course where you can refuel on some delicious and nutritious snacks and drinks, from hot cross buns, sausage rolls, cakes, biscuits, soup, jelly babies, tea, fruit squash and of course water, you won't know what to eat and drink!

10. Lastly, why not make a trip of it this half term and stay in Eastbourne for a family break to relax and recuperate after the marathon? There's plenty of family fun to be had for both adults and children in Eastbourne this half term!

So, if you already have some training under your belt then sign up to the Beachy Head Marathon today, get your running gear on and head to the beautiful South Downs to continue your training ahead of 24 October!

Get your Boots on and Head for the Hills for the Coast and Country Walking Festival!

After a very successful first year of the Coast and Country Walking Festival in 2014, Eastbourne Borough Council and Wealden District Council are bringing it back for a whole nine days this September and October!

Coast and Country Walking Festival in Eastbourne and Wealden runs from 26 September through to 4 October and is aimed at walkers of varying ages, abilities and even interests, so you're sure to find a walk which is right for you.

Although one of the main aims of the walks is to get people active, energized, fit and healthy, the festival is also the perfect way to take in the outstanding natural beauty of the South Downs surrounding Eastbourne and other areas of Sussex. Some walks are free and some have a cost, but most walks have a maximum number of walkers, so be sure to book a place to avoid disappointment! 

With over 50 walks to experience the festival offers a range of walks including historical, literary, healthy and Nordic walks. There's short walks, long walks, easy, moderate or brisk walks, so take a look at some of our favourite picks and get yourself booked onto a walk!

Two Breweries Tour - Saturday 26th September

This is a 15 mile all day walk, starting from Bedes School on Dukes Drive, Eastbourne and ending at the Plough and Harrow in Litlington. Enjoy this scenic downland walk led by an experienced guide to East Dean where you'll stop and visit the first of two breweries, Beachy Head Brewery. Discover the brewing methods adopted by Head Brewer, Roger Green and enjoy the tutored tasting whilst learning the history of the brewery. Continue the walk over to Litlington where you'll stop for lunch at the Plough and Harrow before commencing on the second tour and tasting at the Long Man Brewery! A great value walk at just £15 per person; there are 30 spaces so book your place if you have a passion for real ale and brisk country walks!

Arlington Abbots Wood Nordic Walking Taster - Tuesday 29th September

A short but brisk walk, this session will teach keen learners a fitness walking discipline which can burn over 35% more calories than easy walking and also aids muscle tone. Oakleafe Sussex Nordic Walking offers a 5-mile circular Nordic Taster from the Forestry Commission car park for Abbots Wood by Wilbees Road/Caneheath through Arlington. The taster session, led by International Nordic Walking Association accredited Nordic Walk instructor, Nigel Bentley, is a circular route which explores the forest rides, lake and higher ground to the north, ascending 225 feet along the way. Nordic Walk poles are available for loan and completion of a fitness assessment form is required prior to participation. This is a 5 mile walk, with a maximum of 15 participants, free of charge but donations are welcome.

A Photographic Walk along the Cuckoo Trail - Friday 2nd October

If capturing some natural beauty on your camera is what makes you happy, book a place on this gentle walk along the Cuckoo Trail, starting in Hailsham. You don't need to be an expert, just someone with a desire to walk and photograph. A professional photographer will be on hand to accompany the group and you'll even have the chance to download your snaps at the end of the walk, onto PC's provided, and have a short lesson on editing your images using photo editing software. This walk is free of charge, but hurry to book your place as there's a maximum of 16 walkers.

For all the details of the Coast and Country Walking Festival go to sussexwalkingfestival.org.uk or visit the Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre to pick up your complete 36 page guide to the walking festival with a full list of all walks across the nine days. You can also book a place on a walk by calling 01892 602757. Dogs on leads are allowed on most walks, children are welcome too provided under 16's are accompanied by an adult!