Record-Breaking weekend for Eastbourne Marathon

THOUSANDS of runners descended on Eastbourne at the weekend for the annual Beachy Head Marathon, which took place on Saturday, 25th October and saw a new Ultramarathon course record set.

The iconic event, recognised as one of the UK’s toughest and most scenic off-road races, once again drew competitors from across the country to tackle the challenging South Downs route. Following the success of this year’s marathon, organisers have already opened entries for the 2026 event, scheduled for 24–25 October, with early bird prices available for a limited time.

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.

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.

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)