The Beachy Head Marathon

The name Beachy Head probably comes from the French "beau chef" – beautiful and on a breathtaking sunny morning in East Sussex, there were few places in the UK where runners are happy to be.
 
The Beachy Head Marathon may not be the biggest event in the running World but surely must rank as one of the most scenic races in the UK.
 
The course is considered one of the most challenging in the country because of its hilly terrain. The race starts with a very steep 1500 metre hill climb and then dog-legs around the South Downs before crossing the World famous Seven Sisters, past Cuckmere Haven (area of outstanding natural beauty), along past Birling gap and finally over Beachy Head and back into Eastbourne.
 
Around 1750 runners, many from overseas descended to the seaside town for this popular and growing marathon. It was originally called the Seven Sisters Marathon but changed its name in 2001.
 
Many athletes are club runners and a number also run for their chosen charity, over the years it has raised many thousands of pounds. Race conditions for this race back in 2008 were perfect, sunshine with light winds.
 
In the end, it was the favourite No 2, University lecturer Stuart Mills from New Zealander who completed the gruelling 26-mile course in 3 hours 02 minutes and 56 seconds. Mills led pretty much from the start of the race and never looked like losing his advantage.

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