Get ready for what can only be described as a bumpy ride, The Beachy Head Marathon is a real spectacle and a true challenge. As you line up at the start, you can see some of the hills that you have to take on looming in the distance and you have to wonder if walking back to your car would be the most sensible thing to do. Everyone at the start is full of encouragement and people who have done the race before will reassure you that it will be worth all the hard work you have put in prior to the race. As you start to run, you can't help but admire the sheer beauty of the area and as you climb the first of what will feel like 100 hills you know this race is going to be good. Around the course, the marshals are full of encouragement and there are supplies of food and drink to help ensure you keep your energy levels up. Battling your way through the aptly named Seven Sisters, you do really have to find your MOM (mind of matter) potential, this will come from the views that you get to experience at the top of each mammoth climb. Each one becoming more beautiful than the next as you reach a sense of Zen after about the 3rd hill. Be careful, on the down hills though, especially if you don't intend to walk any of the race as you can easily catch a stone and with weary legs you might not be able to keep your footing. Finishing the race really does fill you with a feeling of Euphoria and you almost wish you were still out battling what felt like an impossible task.
Aim high with this event as you are really up against it; make sure you let everyone know this is more like doing two marathons due to the hills. £1000 should be the bare minimum you aim for. Check out the run for charity fundraising A to Z for some great ideas to help you reach your target.
You are pretty much on your own for this race, the start and finish will see a reasonably good crowd but on the run itself you may cross the odd dog walkers path but that's about it. Charities in the local area will come and support you but its a big task for charities from further afield to be there on the day.
It really is imperative that you build in as much hill training as you can for this race or you might not make it to the finish. Allow the full time required to prepare for a marathon and then at least half the time again to build in your hill training.
The race is a really difficult one to marshall and plan but the race organisers do a really good job. You are made to feel very important from start to finish. The medals and extras are very nice too.Â
To choose a charity to support in this event click here or if you already have a charity in mind click here
