This information is
normally applicable year on year
The field comprises of a maximum of 500
runners, 500 joggers and 500 walkers. Runners will be numbered 001-500 in green;
joggers will be numbered 501-1000 in red and walkers will be numbered 1001-1500
in blue.
THE EVENT -
is not intended as a race, but as a personal challenge event for all to test
their ability and endurance over the 26 (or so) mile course, and enjoy the
atmosphere of a friendly day out on the hills. Runners should expect to take
30-40 minutes longer than a flat road marathon. Experienced walkers should get
round in 6-8 hours.
ACCOMMODATION -The
Tourist Information Centre, Cornfield Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN2140L,
Tel: (01323) 647130 E-mail: liz.attwell@eastbourne.gov.uk
will be happy to assist if you need to find accommodation in Eastbourne over the
weekend.
ARRIVAL ON THE DAY-
Please arrive by 08:30hrs. It is not necessary to check in. Due to road
closures for the event parking near the start at St Bedes School will be
limited, but there is ample parking along and just off the seafront. Please park
considerately. The later you arrive the further you will have to walk! St Bede's
will be open from 08:00hrs for enquiries, hot drinks changing and toilets.
Facilities are cramped so if you can change by your car this will be
appreciated. There are also toilets in Helen Gardens adjacent (East) to the
School. Queues are inevitable!
CRIME PREVENTION - In
order to minimise the risk to your property, please ensure that you lock your
car and put all your belongings out of sight. The changing facilities at the
School will be staffed all day, but please do not leave valuable items there as
neither the organisers nor the School can be held responsible.
CLOTHING -
Conditions could be bad, especially on the high ground and along the coast, and
it may be very cold and wet! Therefore, care should be taken In choosing what to
wear. Walkers should carry a torch as it may be getting dark towards the end.
START -
This will be on the road immediately outside the School. Please assemble by
08:50 hrs. Runners and joggers (fast ones to the fore) should position
themselves to the left facing the hill and walkers (fast ones also to the fore)
to the right as their route initially bears off up the road and round the first
corner. Remember to have your entry number with you, preferably pinned to your
chest. The start will be heralded by a maroon at 09:00 hrs precisely.
COURSE -
This will be marked (arrows and tape) and marshalled. At the best guess it is
slightly more than the marathon distance and has a total ascent of 3500 ft, plus
gates, stiles, bridges cattle grids and several flights of steps! Please obey
Police and marshals' instructions at road crossings, and the Coastguards along
the cliff edge. To respect the farming community, when crossing arable land please
keep to the path. Do not cut corners or spread near the stiles. Dogs must be
on leads as there are sheep and cattle on the route There are toilets at
Alfriston (off route in the car park), at the Seven Sisters Country Park (just
after the 227 steps) and at Birling Gap. There are also plenty of bushes and
trees!
EROSION -
The National Trust, East Sussex County Council, the Sussex Downs Conservation
Board and Eastbourne Borough Council are all concerned about erosion of chalk
grassland. Mindful of this and to safeguard the future of the event, we trust
that you, as carers of the countryside, will respect their concern and, where
possible, avoid all eroded sections along the coast and follow the markers.
CHECKPOINTS -
are as follows: Checkpoint 1 (Beachy Head Ramblers), 8.8 miles, grid reference
532033; Checkpoint 2 (The Sea Cadets), 12.2 miles, grid reference
494051; Checkpoint 3 (Hailsham Rotary Club), 16.7 miles, grid reference 523016;
Checkpoint 4 (Hailsham Rotary Club), 22.6 miles; grid reference 554960. All
references are from Ordnance Survey sheets numbers TV49/59/69 and TQ 40/50
REFRESHMENTS -
as well as water, refreshments will be provided at each checkpoint to keep
everyone sustained throughout the route, and there will be hot food at the
finish. There are additional drinks stations just past the B2108, High and Over,
and at Crowlink on the cliffs which are kindly provided and manned by Seaford
Striders and HM Coastguard respectively. Walkers may wish to bring their own
food as well. Sussex Spring Water are kindly providing the water. Please do
not drop cups away from the checkpoints. Pubs on the route are those in
Alfriston, the Plough and Harrow at Lillington, the Birling Gap and the Beachy
Head. Please remove muddy footwear before entering.
FIRST AID -
St John Ambulance Brigade will be in attendance at checkpoints and at the
finish. Radio communications will be by Raynet.
RETIREMENTS -
except in case of emergency and/or injury, retirements should only be at a
checkpoint. Transport will be provided back to St Bede's when available. Only
authorised entrants will be transported back. Please notify the checkpoint
marshal if you are not going on and give your entry number to the minibus
driver.
SUPPORTERS AND
SPECTATORS - should avoid parking at checkpoints as this adds to
traffic congestion. The recommended viewing places are Alfriston, Bo-Peep on the
top of the Downs, the Seven Sisters Country Park, Birling Gap and along the road
from there to Beachy Head. Please use the car parks. Please do not use the
canteen or toilet facilities at the School. These are for participants only.
MUSIC -
Johnny Spice plays at the start and CP3.
FINISH -
All must finish by 18:00 hrs to gain a medal. Please vacate the School premises
as soon as you have had some refreshment, showered, swum, etc. The building does
get very congested!
SWIMMING POOL -
There is no changing in the actual pool area. Entry is strictly supervised - no
mud or naked bodies!
RESULTS - will
be recorded for finishers up to 6 hours. They will be sent out to those who
submit a stamped addressed envelope marked 'BHM Results'.
MERCHANDISE -
T-shirts, caps etc will be on sale throughout the day from 08:00 hrs whilst
stocks last.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE -
please make sure you have all your belongings with you. Lost Property is a
time-waster and a nuisance! The Pilot Inn almost opposite St Bede's will be open
all day and is a good meeting place to warm down, wind down, swap tales of your
experiences and celebrate your successes!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS -
The organisers would like to thank Christopher Pyemont, Headmaster of St Bede's,
for his support and allowing us use of the School premises Eastbourne Hotels
Association, Hailsham Rotary Club, Seaford Striders, Beachy Head Ramblers, The
Birling Gap and Eastbourne Coastguard, 1st Hampden Park Scout Group Sussex
Police, Eastbourne Borough Council and all our friends and relations who have
given their help and support. Without all of you and many others too numerous to
mention, this event would not have been possible.
NEXT YEAR - the
event will be held on 23 October 2010. Entry
forms will be sent to all this year's participants in April 2010. If you know
anyone else who would like to enter tell them to send a 6"x8" SAE to Beachy
Head Marathon, PO Box 2608, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 8DZ.
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