Formerly known as the Seven Sisters Marathon, this is one of the biggest off road marathons in the country. Brutally undulating this is no easy ride. Despite this fact, our Marathon supremo Steve Hickman cites this as his favourite race.
“It’s one of those Marathons I recommend everyone should try. At least once!”
Starting at Bedes School in Eastbourne, the course starts as it means to go on.. uphill! The route takes the runners though Jevington, Alfriston and Litlington. Onward to Fristin Forest and the Cuckmere Valley.
When I asked him which bits were his favourite, Mr. Hickman told me this,
“Best bits? All of it! Well apart from the last 6 miles when the route climbs and dips The Seven Sisters. That’s brutal!”
And that’s coming from the ultimate marathoner, despite knowing exactly what is coming next (having run this race an unbelievable 15 times previously)
The route covers an amazing 3850ft of elevation, with over 300 steps to clamber up and 14 gates to hop over.
Steve ran well, negotiating all 26.2 miles in 5.19.44 his second fastest time over the course.
“I love the toughness of this one. I’ll be back next year!”
