Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present us with challenges, it is important we embrace the new normal to ensure running events in the UK continue to thrive for many years to come. Running events are important to our community as they support many areas including: health, mental health, wellbeing, community engagement and significantly support our local charities.

Over recent weeks there has been a mixture of publicity surrounding endurance / running events, with the likes of the London Marathon sadly cancelling the public event until October 2021 and more positive news with licenced running events restarting up and down the country from 2 August. We have also seen a lot of club training sessions on social media, which is great to see!

Whilst the Beachy Head Marathon is a well supported event, we are fortunate that our numbers are lower than the mass participation events, where social distancing on public transport and at the event is virtually impossible to achieve.

Having paused entries early we have been able to develop our event safety plans based on lower entry numbers, making it possible to introduce realistic and achievable social distancing measures to mitigate against transmission.

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 will be taking place on the 24th October 2020, with it’s support races taking place on 18th October 2020 (Beachy Head Half) and Beachy Head 10k taking place on 25th October 2020.

The event will have a different feel with a whole host of new safety measures including a larger ‘holding’ area at St Andrew's School playing field and a new start ‘waves’ procedure, which will ensure social distancing is maintained.

We want to be honest and upfront with you regarding changes to the event format. The new normal does mean that we have had to temporarily remove some elements from the event, but we hope you will understand that these measures have been introduced to protect you and to ensure we can host the event this year, as well as for many years to come.

Elements that we are unable to include due to social distancing: Baggage area, indoor changing facility, canteen, physio, swimming pool, mass start, spectators dissuaded from attending, dogs/canine banned for 2020 (reviewed for 2021), in-ear headphones banned (bone conducting allowed).

We also want you to know that we haven't stripped out all the fun! The Beachy Head Marathon continues to be a community event and our fabulous team of volunteers will be cheering you on from a safe distance. We will also be supplying you with many of your favourite course comforts including: Mars Bars (wrapped), Sausage Rolls (wrapped) and Bananas.

What’s new?

• Without a canteen we have ordered finish line pasty’s for all the marathon finishers, after all you deserve it!
• Race pack/chip/number posted out in advance
• Arrival times
• Start waves
• Increased toilet provision
• Participants are encouraged to bring their own hydration/Gels in the form of a hydration belt/similar. To comply with guidance we are unable to offer water in paper cups. Sealed plastic water bottles will be provided on the course and plastic recycling will be in operation.
• Overtaking is dissuaded, but allowed if you maintain social distancing/take a wide berth. There may be some sections where overtaking is prohibited, this will be signposted.
• Regular cleaning of touch points
• Hand sanitising stations available on the course
• Face coverings required within holding area (must be removed before start of race)
• Course detours/changes may apply - Participants will be kept informed
• Introduction of participant code of conduct

Final event details, including arrival time and start wave time will be shared with participants a few weeks before the event.

We need your support this year more than ever before, as we have significantly reduced our capacity!

What are your options?

I’ve entered and want to keep my place, what happens next?

If you have purchased your 2020 entry you will receive your race pack in the post a few weeks before the event day. No further action is required.

What happens if I decide to participate now and there is a further lockdown on race day?

We will then offer participants a second chance to defer to 2021 or apply for a refund minus the booking fee.

I’ve entered but I no longer wish to participate due to COVID uncertainty, date change, training limitations or injury?

You may sacrifice your entry (support the event, no refund issued), defer your place to 2021 or apply for a refund minus the booking fee, which will be processed shortly after the 2020 event, in September.

The 2021 dates are as follows:

Beachy Head Half Marathon Sunday 17 October 2021

Beachy Head Marathon Saturday 23 October 2021

Beachy Head 10k Sunday 24 October 2021

Please note you must have completed the online variation form by 23:59 on the 31 August 2020 to either sacrifice your entry, defer your entry to 2021 or apply for a refund. We are unable to accept requests after this time.

To complete the online variation form you will need to find your registration id, which is contained within your registration confirmation email.

Online variation form: No longer available

I’ve entered, can I change the race category?

Category transfer will reopen on the 4 September at 13:00 and will be available until race category reaches capacity. Category transfer is made via your online Active account. A category transfer fee will apply. https://passport.active.com

We hope you can join us in celebrating our 40th anniversary!

Team Beachy Head Marathon