Excitement builds for Eastbourne 10k

The race, in its seventh year, has yet again proved very popular by selling out way before race date.

Around 500 runners of all abilities are set to take part on the flat and fast course which takes in much of Eastbourne’s glorious seafront, starting and finishing at the iconic bandstand.

This year’s chosen charity is the JPK Project, a local cause providing opportunities for people living with learning disabilities.

Last year both male and female course records were broken - by Eastbourne Rovers Bryan Brett in 33min 24sec and Lewes A/C’s Harriet Bloor in 37.11.

Once again there is a £100 cash prize to the quickest time if the male or female record is broken.

Community spirit will be high, with the sea cadets managing the water station at the halfway point and Dee Harmer and her open water swim team from Fish2Water hosting the finish line refreshments.

The 2nd Willingdon cub scouts will be handing out jelly babies and orange slices on the course – these were a big hit with the runners last year, giving them the zest to keep on running.

All finishers will receive a bespoke medal (sponsored by Feature Architectural Fabrications) as a reward upon crossing the line. The event prides itself on its inclusivity and prizes will be awarded for age category winners from 15 years of age, up to 70-plus.

More than 80 volunteers have given up their time to make the event possible and many are repeat helpers, coming back year after year helping to lift the runners’ spirits throughout the race, while keeping them safe and informed.

Eastbourne Runs organisers Sue Fry and Liz Lumber said: ‘We are getting very excited in the lead-up to the event. We aim to raise lots of money for the JPK Project whilst hoping every runner enjoys every step of their race.

"We are also so very grateful to our fabulous team of volunteers, as without them, the event couldn’t take place.”

Eastbourne Runs sponsors and supporters include Feature Architectural Fabrications, Fish 3 Water, Mantra Training, Citrus Financial & Citrus Conveyancing, LMDB, Tempo Run Shop, Erdinger Alkoholfrei, Freshwipes, The Protein Ball Company, Gelato Famosa, The Graphic Corner, David Webb, Ashprint, Headley Visick & Identity.

Eastbourne Runs are also putting on a new 5k race on Sunday, September 14 for ages 11-plus, with a free junior mile (for ages 4-14). And the Eastbourne Half Marathon will return on Sunday, March 8.

Entry into both events can be found via the Eastbourne Runs website.