In Pictures: The 2023 Beachy Head Marathon weekend

The Beachy Head Marathon is one the biggest off-road marathons in the UK. Formerly known as the Seven Sisters Marathon, it is popular for its scenic and challenging route through the South Downs National Park countryside.

The marathon began at 8.30am on Saturday, October 21 and started and finished from the seafront at the start of the South Downs Way.

Also on Saturday, the Ultramarathon took place and is an exciting new addition to the Beachy Head Marathon weekend, with runners taking on both the traditional Marathon route followed by the 10K route to create this endurance race with a total distance of approximately 52.6 kilometres.

Completing Saturday’s actions was the 10k run, which set off with a route comprising of breath-taking views and challenges, taking a shorter looping route across the Downs to Belle Tout Lighthouse and back.

The top three men were Oliver Varney (3:03:40), Tom Harvey (3:07:12) and Tim Short (3:12:06).

The leading ladies were Yvette Clark (3:56:35), Hazel Reade (4:05:37) and Sophie McKeeman (4:08:29). Kate Knight, 64, of Reigate Priory AC who was competing in her 150th marathon despite spinal surgery and a knee replacement seven years ago and finished at 11 hours, 8 minutes, and 27 seconds.

The ultramarathon was led by three men: Neil Kirby (4:03:36), Pete Sutton (4:09:13) and Andrew Born (4:15:38).

The female podium was filled by Olwen Cockell (5:21:53), Emma Dunnett (5:30:38) and Florence Browning (5:31:34).

The 10K was headed by Luke Thompsett (37:38) and Aislinn Darvell (44:11).

Sunday morning (22 October) dawned with blue skies and perfect racing conditions for the concluding half marathon which saw victories for Russell Dessaix-Chin (1:26:39) and Gina Wilkinson (1:39:04).

All photos courtesy of Jon Rigby.