Race Date: Saturday 24th October 2026

The Beachy Head Marathon is one of the UK’s biggest and most challenging off-road marathons, famous for its demanding trail terrain, steep climbs, and spectacular coastal views across the South Downs National Park and the iconic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs.

The event weekend is based out of Bede’s Prep School in Eastbourne, with races starting and finishing along the Eastbourne Seafront with the marathon being the flagship event (formerly known as the Seven Sisters Marathon), featuring over 4,000 feet of elevation gain, technical steps, and off-road tracks.

Course Highlights & Terrain: The starting hill has anotoriously steep climb straight out of Eastbourne that instantly tests runners’ legs; the seven sisters is the most scenic yet brutal section of the marathon, consisting of relentless, roller-coaster climbs and descents along the cliff edges; Amenities: Despite its reputation as the second toughest marathon in the UK, the course is exceptionally well-marshaled, fully chip-timed, and well-stocked with food and medical aid stations.

This year’s marathon attracted 939 finishers with the male race winner being Timothy Short in 3.06.32. The female race winner was Alice Robinson of Worthing & District Harriers in 3.42.20.

Striders result