Entries Open for Beachy Head Marathon 2026 After Record Run

Entries have opened for the Beachy Head Marathon 2026 following a record run at the weekend, setting a new Ultramarathon record on the course.

Widely known as one of the UK’s biggest off-road marathons, the Beachy Head event will return from 24 – 25 October 2026, with entries open at early bird prices for a limited time.

Thousands of runners took on the iconic South Downs route at the weekend with local runner Oliver Varney being the first across the finish line with a time of 03:02:52 in the Marathon event, and Izzy Bradford being the first woman back with a time of 03:33:24.

In the Ultramarathon, Cumbrian runner Tom Sabey broke the course record with the event’s first ever sub four-hour run thanks to an impressive time of 03:51:50, while Maria-Olguta Petre placed first in the women’s category with a time of 05:13:48.

In the 10k, Joshua Nisbett took the top spot with a time of 00:43:20, while junior runner Tori Day took both fifth place and the fastest women’s time with a run of 00:44:17.

Finally on Sunday, Richard Strong placed first in the Half Marathon with a time of 01:25:48, and Katy Reed was the fastest woman back with time at 01:41:57.

Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism & Place, Cllr Jenny Williams said, “Congratulations to everyone who took part and received a well-deserved medal – you are all incredible! Particularly record-breaker Tom for an astonishing run, and Tori, our junior runner beating all other women in the 10k event.

“Thank you to all the spectators for cheering on the runners along the route, and special thanks must go to the volunteers for their support in making this sensational event happen.

“If you are feeling inspired by these amazing runners, then why not join us and give it a go in 2026?”

The Beachy Head Marathon is supported by a number of volunteers and charities including Mankind, Eastbourne Sea Cadets, Birling Gap Coastguard, Beachy Head Ramblers, Seaford Striders, Victoria Baptist Church, You Raise Me Up and Hailsham Rotary Club.

Each voluntary organisation will receive a donation from the event – with more than £100,000 issued to date. It is also estimated that runners themselves raise a further £100,000 for good causes each year through sponsorship alone.

The Beachy Head Marathon returns from 24 – 25 October 2026 for its 46^th year, starting and finishing on Eastbourne Seafront. The event is supported by The View Hotel, Euro Self Drive, Tempo Running Shop and Bede’s School. 

The challenging off-road course includes an eye-watering 300 steps, 14 gates, an elevation gain of up to 1,381m and all seven of the world renowned Seven Sisters white cliffs.

The picturesque route also takes in parts of the South Downs Way, national park countryside, forest, four villages, two lighthouses and one river valley – making it one of the most scenic and challenging to complete.

For more information, to view all results and photos or to enter for 2026, visit BeachyHeadMarathon.com.

Results: Top Three Placings

Marathon

Men

1. Oliver Varney (03:02:52)
2. Charlie Penrose (03:13:04)
3. Stephen Nimmo (03:21:13)

Women

1. Izzy Bradford (03:33:24)
2. Amelie Karlsson (03:41:51)
3. Lucy Naga (03:47:05)

Ultramarathon

Men

1. Tom Sabey (03:51:50)
2. Josh Woods (03:58:13)
3. Adam Crook (04:06:09).

Women

1. Maria-Olguta Petre (05:13:48)
2. Georgina Phillips (05:22:18)
3. Cat Gulliver (05:24:15)

10k

Men

1. Joshua Nisbett (43:20)
2. Marcin Gawel (43:31)
3. Gary Judges (43:34)

Women

1. Tori Day (44:17)
2. Olivia Fielder (46:24)
3. Jennifer Brown (47:26)

Half Marathon

Men

1. Richard Strong (01:25:48)
2. James Caffrey (01:27:29)
3. Ross Brocklehurst (01:27:36)

Women

1. Katy Reed (01:41:57)
2. Katie Birch (01:42:53)
3. Alex Myall (01:43:56)