UK marathon gives to local charities

Eastbourne charities get set for a boost this week as the Beachy Head Marathon donates more than £2000 to all the volunteer groups who helped to make the 2007 event such a huge success. More than 1700 runners, joggers and walkers took over the South Downs for the sixth Beachy Head Marathon last October, an event which regularly donates surpluses to charity.

With such a huge number of entrants, the first ever junior event and the driest conditions yet for the 26-mile course, 10 local charities and volunteer organisations will benefit from the funds raised by the popular event.

Eastbourne Borough Council are the organisers of the event and Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “The Beachy Head Marathon is an extremely popular course for runners and it always attracts thousands of people into the town during the autumn.

“We rely on many volunteers to help steward and give safety assistance during the event and it is fantastic that we are able to give something back. Entrants are always the first to praise the enthusiasm and encouragement of marshals at checkpoints and refreshment stations, and I am very pleased that we will be giving a special thank you to each of these organisations who all help to make the event run so smoothly.”

The Mayor of Eastbourne will present all 10 groups and organisations with cheques totalling £2,110 this Wednesday in the Mayor’s Parlour at the Town Hall. Recipients include Birling Gap Coastguard, Hailsham Rotary Club, Beachy Head Ramblers, Eastbourne Sea Cadets, Eastbourne Voluntary Lifeguards, Eastbourne Coastguard, Raynet, St John Ambulance, Seaford Striders running club and Eastbourne Rotary Club.

2007’s Beachy Head Marathon saw a record time in the event’s six-year history as Tim Short crossed the finish line in just 2 hours 47 minutes and event organisers are appealing to anyone who thinks they can beat Tim’s super quick speed. The Beachy Head Marathon returns this year on Saturday 25 October and entries open in April. Voted one of the top 10 marathon courses in the UK by readers of Runners World spaces are expected to fill up quickly.

For more information visit Beachyheadmarathon.org.uk.