Confront the iconic white cliffs of the Seven Sisters at the legendary Beachy Head Marathon Weekend, October 24-25, 2026, a spectacular off-road festival celebrating its 46th year on the breathtaking South Downs coast. This renowned event offers four distinct challenges: the classic, gruelling marathon over the iconic rolling hills, a demanding 52km Ultra combining the 10k and marathon routes, a scenic Half Marathon, and a challenging 10k, all starting from Eastbourne seafront with the South Downs Way as your backdrop. The routes are a stunning but brutal mix of steep chalk climbs, exhilarating descents, and panoramic sea views that have made this one of the UK's most beloved and challenging off-road running fixtures. With its deep history, inclusive spirit welcoming runners, joggers, and walkers, and the vibrant seaside finish, the weekend creates an electric atmosphere of shared endeavour against a landscape of raw natural beauty. Whether you're an experienced ultra runner meeting the strict marathon qualifying standard or a trail enthusiast seeking your first major off-road challenge, the event offers a profound sense of achievement. Secure your entry for an unforgettable autumn weekend where every punishing step is rewarded with some of England's most dramatic coastal vistas.
Races Offered
Ultra
Oct 24, 2026
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Distance —
52K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:40
Marathon
Oct 24, 2026
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Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:45
10K
Oct 24, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:15
Half Marathon
Oct 25, 2026
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Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Eastbourne.
thermostatTemperature
11.4° / 16.0°
wb_sunnyFeels like
7.9° / 12.9°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
6h 32m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
4.0 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
18.5 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.8)
humidity_mid
Humidity
81.4%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:23
nightlight
Sunset
18:04
About Eastbourne
Learn more about the host city, Eastbourne.
Eastbourne is a popular and traditional sea-side resort town in East Sussex, on England's South East coast. It has one of the highest recorded days of sunshine per year in Britain and its climate is notable for its relatively high sunshine levels, with the town claiming to be the "Sunniest Place in the UK".
