The field used to comprises of a of 500 runners, 500 joggers and 500 walkers. These days it seems to be
2,000 in total with more joggers than runners..
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 Saturday 23
October 2021
