Marathon Champ Back to Reclaim Crown this Weekend

21st October 2008

Beachy Head Marathon
Four times Marathon champ, Stuart Mills, is head of the pack to win back his crown when the UK's largest off-road marathon returns to the South Downs this Saturday.

 

It is two years since Stuart last crossed the Beachy Head Marathon finish line first but with both the 2006 and 2007 champions absent at this year's race, it looks like the University of Brighton lecturer is one of the front runners for the 2008 title. Originally from New Zealand, Stuart won the first four Beachy Head Marathons but came second in last year's event losing out to international athlete, Tim Short.

 

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said "The Beachy Head Marathon is such a brilliant event because each and every competitor is taking on their own personal challenge. From running for the title, to the walkers taking part to raise vital funds for their chosen charities, the event is special to everyone for totally different reasons. The event promises to be action-packed this weekend and I want to encourage spectators to come along and cheer the competitors on!"

 

This year's event also sees a special challenge from Nicola Watts from Crowborough. The Beachy Head Marathon is the first of three courses that Nicola will compete over just three weekends, going on to take part in the New York Marathon on 2 November and the Nice event on 9 November.

 

A group of four women are also travelling all the way from New York to take part in this year's event led by former Eastbourne resident, Georgina Donaldson. This will be Georgina's sixth year taking part and each year she invites different friends from the US to take on the challenge with her.

 

Georgina is looking forward to the 2008 marathon: "We all make a conscious decision to enjoy the day and make the journey together as friends. We have never kept a record of our time - the gift for us is being able to participate and we have met so many wonderful people."

 

The Beachy Head Marathon takes place this Saturday 25 October and is organised by Eastbourne Borough Council and sponsored by Rix and Kay Solicitors and Eastbourne Hospitality Association (EHA). Fitness First are also sponsoring finishers' water for all participants.

 

Bruce Hayter, Managing partner from Rix & Kay is pleased to be supporting the event: "We are very proud to be sponsoring the marathon again in 2008 and this Saturday is set to be a day to remember for all those taking part."

 

Younger athletes are also taking part in this year's event in the Junior Challenge. Held last year for the first time, the junior course is being repeated with kids aged 8-16 taking on their own version of the Beachy Head Marathon in specially designed two and three kilometre courses. The three kilometre race starts at 10am and the two kilometre at 10.45am.

 

The Mayor will officially start the 2008 Beachy Head Marathon at 9am sharp outside St. Bede's School and spectators can come along to the start line to cheer on participants and take in spectacular views of the South Downs. Or come along from 11.40am to cheer home the first ones across the finishing line. The foot of the Downs café will be open for refreshments.

 

For more information on the marathon contact the Events Office on 01323 415442, telephone the Tourist Information Centre on 0871 663 0031 or visit www.beachyheadmarathon.org.uk or www.visiteastbourne.com .