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Local Charities to Provide Marathon Cheer
17th September 2025
A number of local charities will be cheering on runners at this year’s Beachy Head Marathon, which returns from 25 - 26 October.
From staffing checkpoints to providing safety cover, the event will see a range of volunteers from local good causes, all of whom will be supporting the event and providing runners with refreshments and a cheery welcome.
This year sees Mankind, Eastbourne Sea Cadets, Birling Gap Coastguard, Beachy Head Ramblers, Seaford Striders, Victoria Baptist Church, You Raise Me Up and Hailsham Rotary Club all stepping forward to support more than 3,000 runners in what has become one of the UK’s biggest off-road marathon events.
As well as each voluntary organisation receiving a donation from the event – with more than £100,000 issued to date - it is estimated that runners themselves raise a further £100,000 for good causes each year through sponsorship alone.
The annual running highlight features Marathon, 10k, Ultramarathon and Half Marathon events with all starting and finishing on Eastbourne seafront. The full course takes in parts of the South Downs Way, national park countryside, forest, four villages, two lighthouses and one river valley.
With an elevation gain of up to 1,381m along the route, combined with an eye-watering 300 steps, 14 gates and all seven of the world renowned Seven Sisters white cliffs, the marathon is considered one of the UK’s most challenging and scenic to complete, attracting competitors from all over the world.
Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism & Place, Cllr Jenny Williams said, “It is hard to imagine a route as stunning and with such a sense of accomplishment as the Beach Head Marathon. Whether you are racing to the finish, looking to improve your fitness, raising money for charity or simply looking for a gentle jog or scenic sprint – this is the perfect course for you.
“Our thanks go to the wonderful charities for their support in making this event happen – please do give these wonderful volunteers a wave or a thank you as you run past.”
There is still time to enter for this year’s race with the Beachy Head Marathon, Ultramarathon and 10K events taking place on Saturday 25 October and the Beachy Head Half Marathon on Sunday 26 October. Races start at 7.40am for the Ultramarathon, 8.45am for the Marathon, 9.15am for the 10k and 8am for the Half Marathon.
Spectators are encouraged to cheer on the runners from the start/finish line on Dukes Drive or from Beachy Head and Exceat where there are pubs, cafés, toilets and parking available. Brighton & Hove Buses Coaster Bus also follows much of the route.
Marathon finishers are expected from 11.30am, with the last participants back by 6pm. Road closures will be in operation on Dukes Drive and Upper Dukes Drive.
The Beachy Head Marathon, which is now in its 45th year, is supported by The View Hotel, Euro Self Drive, Bede’s School and Tempo Running Shop – with the shop offering 15% off to all participants.
More volunteers are still required and those interested can register at https://form.jotform.com/250262259959366.
For further information or to enter visit www.BeachyHeadMarathon.co.uk.
