FAQs

If there's anything you need to ask that isn't covered here, please contact us for more information.

Our team has been working extremely hard to overcome the challenges that we now face and we are delighted to announce that the Beachy Head Marathon, Ultramarathon and 10K will be taking place on the 22nd October 2022, with the Beachy Head Half Marathon taking place on 23rd October 2022.

We have received some feedback regarding the cut off time for the Ultramarathon and following a review we are pleased to confirm an adjustment to the cut off time as follows:

To enter the ULTRA you must be able to complete a marathon distance in 5 hours (road) or 6 hours (trail).  The Beachy Head Marathon typically takes 30 min - 1 hour longer to complete than a road race, therefore you should use this as a helpful guide.  The overall finish time for the ULTRA is 8 hours and the cut off time will be reviewed following the 2022 event.

Finish times for other race categories:

Marathon: 9 hours (trail)

Half: 4 hours (trail)

10k: 2 hours (trail)

You may be asked to withdraw early by a sweeper if you are unable to maintain the pace set for each event (transport provided from checkpoints). These limits are in place to ensure we still have our full complement of volunteers and medical teams out on the course whilst you are participating. 

If you have entered the 10k, Half Marathon or Marathon and now wish to transfer to the Ultra you can do so by following the link in your confirmation email. The transfer fee will be waivered for 3 days (until midnight 22 January) to enable you to do so at no extra cost. You may have to pay extra if the new race is more expensive.

Now is the time to encourage your friends and family to sign up to Beachy Head. Early bird prices are available until the end of January and given the volume of entries we have received we expect the event to sell out early. 

If you would like to review your booking, check what race category you have entered or transfer to another category, you can do so by following the link in your confirmation email.

Good luck with your training.

All the best

Team Beachy Head Marathon  

Entries will close on 30^th September 2022 at midnight, or as soon as capacities have been filled.
 

Participants can view and manage their booking by following the link on the confirmation email or by logging in to their account: https://beachyheadmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/login

Yes, for health and safety reasons all participants must return within 9 hours of their start time for the Beachy Head Marathon. The entry criteria for the Ultramarathon requires you to be a sub 5 hour marathon finisher (Road or Trail), if you are unable to complete the initial 42k within 5 hours, you will be asked to retire at that point. 4 hour maximum time limit is in place for the Half Marathon and 2 hours for the 10k. A sweeper team will follow to ensure you meet this time limit. You may be asked to retire at the next checkpoint if meeting the time limit is unlikely. 

Please complete the online registration form: https://form.jotform.com/220124053817345  you will then automatically be assigned a position; a member of the Events Team will be in touch from the beginning of September to give you more information on where you will be based on the day. A volunteers briefing will take place online; Monday 17^th October at 6pm. Hoodie collection will take place on Tuesday 18^th October (more details provided on the form).
 

Race numbers and timing chips will be posted out in advance to your registered address. Please ensure you keep your details up to date, either by following the link in your confirmation email or by logging into your account: https://beachyheadmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/login . Please note that all information should be updated by 30^th September at the latest.

Unfortunately not. All registrations must be completed online, in advance.

Unfortunately we are unable to allow dogs to participate in this event, due to the volume of runners involved which has caused trip hazards in the past.

Drinks stations are available around the course route. The locations of each water station are as follows:

Marathon: Start/Finish, 8.8m, 16.7m, 22.8m.

Half: Start/Finish, 3.8m, 9.8m.

10k: Start/Finish, 5k.

Ultra: Start/Finish, 8.8m, 16.7m, 22.8m, 25.8m.

We will offer the option to defer or receive a refund if the event gets cancelled for any reason and you are unable to make to the rearranged date. We will also offer the same terms if you live in an area under local lockdown restrictions at the time of the event.  We are unable to refund or defer entries if you change your mind, book a holiday, injure yourself, change your mind due to a pandemic or any other personal reason. Qualifying refunds will be issued in November with payments expected by 1 December 2022.

In normal circumstances no, however we will offer the option to defer or receive a refund if the event gets cancelled for any reason and you are unable to make the rearranged date. We will also offer the same terms if you live in an area under local lockdown restrictions at the time of the event.  We are unable to refund or defer entries if you change your mind, book a holiday, injure yourself, change your mind due to a pandemic or any other personal reason. Qualifying refunds will be issued in November with payments expected by 1 December 2022.

Category transfer reopened on the 27 November at 07:00 and will be available until race category reaches capacity. Category transfer is made via your online account. A category transfer fee will apply. https://beachyheadmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/login

We offer the option to transfer your entry to another participant. You can do so using your online account. All participant transfers must be completed by midnight on 17^th September 2022. 

For health and safety reasons we cannot allow early starts.

Yes. You can edit your registration details online.
Please click here:  https://beachyheadmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/login

Final event details will be emailed out to all participants 1-2 weeks before the event.

Course maps are available here: https://beachyheadmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/e/beachy-head-marathon-7828/route-maps

From time to time, course detours/changes are implemented for your safety - Participants will be kept informed.

The minimum age for marathon participants is 18.

The minimum age for Ultramarathon is 18.

The minimum age for the Half is 17; however if you are 17 we recommend you are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The minimum age for the 10k is 16; however we recommend that you are accompanied by a parent or guardian if you are aged 16 or 17.

Yes. We encourage fancy dress costumes of all shapes and sizes. Please ensure the costume is suitable for such run.

Merchandise can be purchased on the day of the event, or via the website following this link.

There are various points around the course to spectate, as well as the start/finish line.
 

Organisers recommend participants use facilities at hotel or home before arriving at the event due to limited facilities on site.

Marathon & Ultra: Start/Finish, Jevington 4m, Alfriston (pubs/hotels) 9m, Bo-Peep 12m, Litlington 16.7m, Birling Gap 22m.

Half: Start/Finish, 3.8m and 9.8m.

10k: Start/Finish

We actively encourage participants to bring their own hydration for around the course as this helps us to reduce the environmental impact on the course. Hydration belts, hydration packs or camelbak are recommended for this. We offer a variety of bananas, mars bars and sausage rolls (Marathon & Ultra) on the course. Hot food will be provided at the end of the Marathon & Ultra route. Should you require energy bars, gels or energy drinks it is advisable to bring your own. Paper cups will be used mostly at the event. Where plastic water bottles are used, please ensure you recycle these at the designated recycle bins provided and leave no trace on our downland.
 

Organisers cannot guarantee the underfoot ground condition of the Ultra, Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k route. Therefore participants are encouraged to prepare for all conditions including: dry, damp, slippery, soft and muddy. Trail/ off road running shoes are a popular choice for this event.

Parking is available on the seafront and surrounding areas. We recommend you arrive early to guarantee yourself a space nearer the start/finish line. Please do not arrive at the holding pen before your designated time slot. This time slot will be emailed to you 2 weeks prior to the event.
 

Unfortunately, in-ear headphones are banned from the event, however bone conducting versions are allowed. This is a decision based around the health and safety of all competitors as we need to ensure all instructions from marshals are observed. Road crossings apply to all distances and whilst we have booked in traffic officers to assist you, we cannot guarantee their availability or compliance of road users and therefore you must check before you cross the road.
 

In the last 2 years we have been able to host the Beachy Head Marathon events by introducing Covid-19 mitigating measures, such as the removal of the following elements: Baggage area, indoor changing facility, canteen seating, physio, swimming pool, in-ear headphones banned (bone conducting allowed). We will review what facilities we can and cannot include as part of the event nearer the event date and will keep particiapnts informed either way.

Saturday 22^nd October - The Marathon and Ultra begin at 08.00am & the 10k begins at 08.20am. Sunday 23^rd October – The Half Marathon begins at 08.00am.
 

And finally...wondering what to eat for pre marathon prep? Take a look at this delicious Pasta recipe that's not only tasty but super easy too!