Lewes Moyleman marathon 2020 – all the details you need to know

The 26.2-mile off-road fixture, named the Moyleman, is known for its tough course, taking in high points of the South Downs.

Here are the key details you need to know.

When will the Moyleman take place? The race will return on Sunday, March 15, starting at Landport Bottom. Organisers of the fixture confirmed yesterday (March 11) that they plan to operate the race with measures in place to manage the risks of coronavirus (Covid-19). Read more here – Coronavirus: Lewes Moyleman marathon to go ahead, organisers confirm

What time will it start? Entrants taking on the full course will head off at 10am. There is also a relay option for two, with those running the first 13.1-mile leg to start at 10.15am.

What route does the race take? From Landport Bottom, runners will follow a course via Black Cap, Castle Hill, Firle Beacon, Mount Caburn and some of the South Downs Way. The finish is the entrance to Harvey’s Brewery Yard, where, as per tradition, runners can enjoy a celebratory pint.

What is new for 2020? Organisers have introduced new steps to further reduce the impact the race has on the environment. For 2020, there will be noplastic cups or plastic bottles of water provided, with runners asked to bring reusable containers or cups. There will also be no goody bags handed out at the finish line, which might have included flyers, plastic bands and t-shirts, and this year’s fixture is partnered with charity Re-Run to encourage runners to donate kit for re-use and recycling. Announcing the news, race director Duncan Rawson said: “Running is a fantastically healthy way to spend your time – we want to make it healthier for the planet too.”

Re-Run is the one of two charity partners for 2020 – the second is Fitzjohn’s Foodbank, which operates from Christ Church, on Prince Edward’s Road, in Lewes, and is aiming to raise awareness and make connections with supporters.

Are there still places available? Race entry is full. All 350 places for this year’s event sold out in 12 hours when released in October, according to organisers.

Who created the marathon? Ashley Head, Duncan Rawson and Rob Read started talking about a Lewes marathon over a pint in 2013, shortly after Rawson had finished a 28-mile cycle over the hills around the town. Duncan Rawson will take up the role of race director again this year for the third time.

Why is it called the Moyleman? The marathon is named in memory of keen long-distance runner Chris Moyle who died of stomach cancer in 2009, aged 42. Surplus money raised from the event goes to charity and causes, including the Martlets Hospice supported by Moyle’s family. To date, £12,000 has been givento charity – £8,500 to Martlets and £3,500 to blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan, to recognise the support it gave to one of the race’s key runners and volunteers. Seaford Beach parkrun has also received a £500 donation.

Where are the best spectator spots? South Downs YHA, Itford Farm, Beddingham,is the half-way point where relay runners taking on the second leg will begin. There will also be a good atmosphere at Cliffe High Street, near the finish. Firle Beacon car park, about 16 miles into the course, is also an easily accessible spot.

Who won last year? Lewes AC runner James Turner crossed the finish line first in 2:52:39 – beating Mike Ellicock’s course record set in 2015 by seven minutes. First woman home was Portslade Hedgehoppers runner Jade Elphick, then running her first marathon, who crossed the line in 3:44:40. Lewes AC runners Chris Coffey and Adam Vaughan broke Mark Halls and Zared Hale’s relay record set in 2015 by 14 seconds, with a combined time of 3:00:01.

For more details, see themoyleman.com or @The_Moyleman on Twitter

See also:

Lewes Moyleman marathon 2019 in pictures