IN THE BEGINNING, A SHORT HISTORY - At 8:OOam on February 28th 1981, what seemed like a huge crowd of 182 walkers set off on the first Seven Sisters Marathon. At 11:00am 68 runners followed, and within a short time all vanished into the fog clutching their route descriptions, with many of the runners going astray in the first few miles!

By 1984 the number of entries had increased to 2500, and it was obvious that they would continue to grow beyond a manageable number - so a limit was introduced in 1985, which remained at 2000 for several years. This was subsequently reduced to 1500, which was considered a reasonable number for safety and comfort.

Many improvements have taken place over the years - they have dispensed with the route description and marked and marshalled the course, and in 1986 slightly lengthened it to the full 26 miles. In 1988 at the request of conservationists they reluctantly agreed to move the date from February to October.

The Marathon has raised and given thousands of pounds to charities, and made generous donations to the voluntary organisations connected with it.

The event was originally organised by the Sussex Group of the Long Distance Walkers Association - for walkers, but with runners welcome, and not losing sight of this, they have always made sure the field has balanced evenly, by not allowing more runners than walkers.

October 27 2001 was a sad day as this 21st event was to be the last of the Seven Sisters Marathons organised by Les Smith.  It was thought that that would be the end but fortunately the event has been saved and is now organised by Nicola Williams and Hugh Graham.  It has been re-named and, since 2001, is now know as the Beachy Head Marathon. The field now comprises of a maximum of 500 runners, 500 joggers and 500 walkers.

SUB 3 HOUR ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE 1986 (Present Course)

Leading runners times since 1986

Thanks to Andy Milroy for updating the information.

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