Beachy Head Marathon
Where
Eastbourne, United Kingdom
Date
24 October 2026
Distances
Registration cost
€50–100
What runners say
Running along the Seven Sisters cliffs with the Atlantic wind in your face and the sea below you is something you won't find in any road marathon. It's one of those races that changes the way you see running.
Why it's special
One of the UK's biggest off-road marathons, in its 46th edition: starting from Eastbourne seafront and winding through the Seven Sisters cliffs in the South Downs National Park.
What's around
The Beachy Head Marathon has existed since 1981 — it was formerly known as the Seven Sisters Marathon — and is one of the most beloved trail events on the British calendar. Yet outside the UK it's practically unknown: no international communication, no buzz on European running channels. The course starts from Eastbourne seafront at the beginning of the South Downs Way, winding through the hills and cliffs of the South Downs National Park, with breathtaking views over the ocean. It runs on dirt, grass and footpaths — no tarmac, no city streets. The weekend offers four distances: 10K, half marathon, marathon and ultramarathon (52.6 km), the latter limited to 200 spaces and open only to runners who have completed a marathon in under 5 hours.