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!

Snuggle up and get cosy in Eastbourne this Autumn

As the trees turn from green to brown and the temperatures fall, Eastbourne has it covered for things to do this Autumn to keep you warm and cheery.

Runners enjoying the Beachy Head Marathon

Eastbourne's incredible action packed events season has wound to an end for another year culminating in one of the best ever Beachy Head Marathon with the most perfect of weather; though this is not a reason to hibernate for the winter until it all starts off again in 2015. Instead get out and about and explore some of Eastbourne's gems.

Alfriston Village

Now is the perfect time of year to sling on a scarf, get your finest tea cosy out to keep your head warm and take a lovely stroll across the South Downs. Take full advantage of Eastbourne's great location nestled in the downlands and head over to one of the many quaint Sussex village including Jevington, East Dean, Litlington or Alfriston. Each village naturally has the 'essential' local pub where guests can relax with a warming scotch and put your feet up next to open roaring fires. The Plough & Harrow at Litlington even has a dedicated room, 'The Snug' in which the tables are cosy with an original fireplace to warm up before the walk back.

Beauty & the Beast
c Peter Gurr

For the rainy days, Eastbourne's Theatre-land comes alive in November with a crammed calendar of shows including the Russian State Ballet and Saturday Night Fever, but not forgetting of course the essential part to any festive period, 'He's behind you'....it's the Beauty and the Beast.
Eastbourne Panto returning with what is set to be another Jordan productions epic with the audience in hysterics.

If you're looking for something a bit different then be sure to head to the Ancestors Exhibition at the Pavilion where the home of the mysterious Beachy Head Lady and many other fascinating archaeological finds are housed, will be staying open for an extra month due to popular demand. 

The free exhibition which discovers Eastbourne’s Roman and Saxon roots, using ground-breaking scientific bone analysis and cranio-facial reconstructions, will now remain open until 19 December.

The Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park

As I write, I'm compiling a list of everything Christmasy happening in Eastbourne. The list currently stands at a total of 57 events! There really is so much happening in this festive period in Eastbourne ranging from street Markets in Meads, Seaside, Little Chelsea and Alfriston to dazzling Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park and Santa Fun Run's along the seafront!

Not forgetting of course Eastbourne’s iconic seafront Bandstand will provide a Christmas Day highlight for residents and visitors, as the traditional free concert returns for a triple bill over the festive period.

With packed seafront hotels and more than 4,000 festive fans expected, the seafront venue will provide yuletide entertainment on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day – all completely free of charge.

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Beachy Head Marathon & 10K; The Final Countdown

Taking place on 25 October, the Beachy Head Marathon is Eastbourne’s top sporting fixture and a favourite amongst runners. With just a couple of days to go, the end goal is in sight!

The Beachy Head Marathon is a scenic gem, with subscribers to Runners World regularly voting it as one of the most iconic events in the country.  The marathon 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.

Runners are greeted by the iconic starting hill

The thought running through most entrants mind right now is one of excited anticipation mixed with with the daunting challenge of the hilly terrain and for some, pure fear! When thinking about the marathon, one of the most iconic images is that of the 'near-vertical' looking hill start that believe me, does seem to just keep on getting higher the further you run up. One of the top tips gleamed on my first Beachy was that of to take the hill very steady and even walk it. It's worth remembering that there are another 26.1 miles to go once your at the top and you'll need every last drop of energy to finish!

With the runners entry list finalised last week, organisers are delighted to welcome runners from all round the globe including America, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Spain, Sweden and of course all over the UK.

With live music at key points along the way including the lone bag-piper at the top of the infamous starting hill, there will be plenty of viewing points for spectators to cheer entrants on around the course with the easiest accessible for spectators being at the Seven Sisters Country Park and Birling Gap.

Last year, a new additional 10 kilometre race was added and it will return again this year. Hill runners can enjoy the shorter version of the marathon with a route comprising of breath taking views and challenges, starting and finishing in the same location. Last years winner, Ben Gibson did so in a time of 40 minutes and 35 seconds. This works out at over 9mph which is an incredble feat considering the challenging and undulating terrain.

Both races start and finish at Bedes School on Dukes Drive on 25 October 2014. The Beachy Head Marathon starts at 9am with runners returning from 12-6pm. The 10k race will start shortly after the marathon at approximately 9:30am.

For more information please visit the website at www.beachyheadmarathon.co.uk

Midsummer - Indulgent evening runs and back to watch the sunset

Guest Blogger: Alf Empty: Beachy Head Marathon

While that screen saver featuring the white cliffs and Belle Tout on the horizon may taunt those of us stuck at a desk by day, at least we now have the long evenings to run and relax in.

Time to change some routes as brambles and nettles are now starting to take over the narrower of my woodland paths.  Despite the sunshine and drier weather, parts of low lying paths are still flooded in my area.  Though I love running in woodlands and enjoy the shade from the sun and shelter from wind and rain they provide, there is nothing like the open fells.  It is wonderful to see a switchback before you, and to have a horizon to run towards.

Even those using a 'six month to first marathon' schedule will be running around 12 - 15 miles on their long runs by now.  Far enough to be experimenting with nutrition on the run and thinking about route visualisation and topography.  Exciting and important stuff.  I remember steeling myself for the iconic 'Seven Sisters' the first time I ran Beachy Head Marathon.  I was shattered, but sort of elated as I came into Birling Gap with the sisters' behind me.  It was then that I realised someone had put a large hill in the way of the finish, that would be Beachy Head then.  As I crawled my way up this last hill I cried a little each time a false summit dashed my hopes again.  Visualisation failure.

- Alf Emty
Half full or half empty, it's the same amount of beer.

Light, green, runners abound

Guest Blogger: Alf Empty

April brings British Summer Time, light in the evenings, green in the hedgerows and runners in abundance where once there were none.  BST meant my first evening run without a head torch, where I had seen no other runner for several months, the light brought out about twelve.

I have midweek routes that I really enjoy, with enough interest for me to relish my familiarity rather than suffer from boredom.  April brings a green wave, May covers the Hawthorn in white foam, June will paint the forest floor blue ... and so it goes on.  In any season, my long midweek run is the big confidence builder, more so than my long, long run.  I often meditate that my evening run is more than twice the distance I ran on my first long, long run.  The fact that I don't find this a big deal, reminds me how far I have come since I started running.

 Spring in the hedgerows.





Some runners will have decided that this is the year that they will run their first marathon.  Those who have chosen Beachy Head, as I did, will be starting their training now if they have not done so already.  I envy them the fresh taste of the experience to come.  It starts when you commit and from your first long run, and continues for some time after the marathon while you come to terms with all you have achieved.  It's a life changing journey, to be enjoyed from first to last.  Confidence sometimes wavers, I find it comforting to know that - DO all the training, don't skimp, but do treat yourself kindly and you WILL succeed and you will recover quickly.

 - Alf Emty
Half full or half empty, it's the same amount of beer.

I'm too busy to train! From our guest blogger: Alf Empty

The subject of a blog I read recently was staying motivated for long, weekend runs.  My approach is to plan weekend runs carefully to include as much interest as possible.  This usually means fine scenery, but also includes variety in terrain.  I don't think of long runs as training, they are days out.  I apply pretty much the same principles when choosing events, which is why Beachy Head is such a favourite.

My last few long runs have been no exception, full days out in the Peak District.  Highlights have been; surreal weathered boulders by low winter sun, bare white birch woods in the mist, paths by shimmering rivers, snaking ridges, the incredible Alport Castles and sunsets from the last summit of the day. 

There is nothing like running from one beautiful place to another to keep one motivated. Keep the journey interesting too and motivation to stop becomes more of a problem.  I have that one sorted as well, I make sure that I have a favourite food in the car.  Chipotle, bean and cheese wraps are my current favourite. 

So there we are, I am far too busy enjoying myself to 'train'.  Now does any one have any tips on making the laundry after a day on muddy hills appealing?

- Alf Emty

Half full or half empty, it's the same amount of beer.

One week closer

Times ticking at the Beachy Head Marathon is drawing ever closer.

It is now becoming ever clearer that every day that goes by, is yet another day closer to those 26 miles of arduous endurance! With the amount of work on the go never getting less, fitting in these longer 15-18mile runs is proving challenging to say the least. I aim to run roughly every other day with a 'rest' day in between however the success rate at this method is less than impressive! 

This aside the runs that I'm going on now do feel a lot more steady and controlled with a really purpose to not stopping and walking up the steep hills. Partly down to Indi my Springer spaniel and her limitless amounts of energy to charge up even the steepest of incline. Generally after spotting a pheasant or some other game strutting elegantly along.

The times also come when I'm asking myself is it time for some new specialist trainers to last the testing terrain. The answer to this is probably very simple...yes! However the choice on the market is lost with me. All these different brands competing for 'The Ultimate' running shoe. I feel I'd have more chance of getting a good shoe if I just did a lucky dip. Also the garble that some salespeople come out with just goes straight over my head and I end up judging the shoe on its aesthetic values! A really good website to help with all things running related I've found is The Running bug.

Anyway back to sorting out some more bits and pieces, more to come tomorrow...