Beachy Head Marathon in Eastbourne hailed a success

Last year’s race had to be rerouted after the Cuckmere River, which the course partly follows, flooded.

Apart from a few heavy showers on Sunday, everything else went smoothly this year.

Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council’s lead member for tourism and culture, said: “On Saturday it was lovely and sunny. Sunday less so, but it has been a lovely atmosphere over the weekend.

Near Litlington

“A lot of the people competing on Saturday would have come and stayed overnight on Friday. It just helps with the local economy and hopefully they see what a lovely place Eastbourne is and come back next summer.

“It was really well organised as usual. It’s one of the hardest courses in the UK, that start point up the hill is always a bit off-putting.

“It’s a lovely run across the Downs and an enjoyable day out. I’m glad everything went so smoothly.”

In the Cuckmere Valley

The cross country ultra-marathon saw athletes take on the 52km route which passes through Sussex landmarks including the Seven Sisters cliffs, Beachy Head and past the Belle Tout lighthouse.

Runners also went through the Cuckmere Valley and through the villages of Litlington, Alfriston and Jevington.

It started at Dukes Drive in Eastbourne and involved people from all abilities, from beginners, walkers and joggers to world class runners.

At the start line

The cross country marathon course includes 300 steps, 14 gates and the equivalent elevation of 1,318m along the South Downs National Park route.

On Saturday contestants took part in either a marathon, ultra-marathon or 10km race.

Sunday saw runners competing in the half marathon.

Road closures were in place in Dukes Drive, Upper Dukes Drive and in Litlington on Saturday for safety reasons.

For more information, visit the Beachy Head Marathon website.