Get fit and raise money for charity with half marathon

Every year the half marathon is the curtain-raiser to Eastbourne’s major events and heralds that spring is on the way. This year’s event will take place on March 6 and registration is now open.

Organisers are now busy making the arrangements and are hoping those who made new year resolutions to get fit for 2016 will sign up for the event.

Mike Reid from Reid and Dean, who organises the event, said, “So, you might be a serious runner and already have it in your diary, or you might be looking for a way to get fit and a challenge for 2016, whichever one, you will be very welcome.”

Eastbourne Borough FC have just played host to the launch of the publicity surrounding the event and both categories of runner were well represented: Eastbourne’s Yvette Grice has won the ladies competition on multiple occasions, and Sunny Sunshine is the Borough FC mascot. Mike added, “Yvette is a seriously competitive triathlete participating in events all over the UK and world and has been delighted to help with promotion.”

The scenic course starts and finishes in Princes Park with entrants running the length of the seafront to the lower slopes of the Downs, then on to the promenade before circumnavigating Eastbourne Harbour and back to the park.

The event features several live bands and entertainers en route and the use of pacers.

The pacers are all experienced runners who will aim to complete the trip in a specific time, so whether you are an enthusiast or just want to reach a target time there will be people to help you.

For under 12’s there is a 1km race and for the under 17’s a 2km event.

For more information and entry details visit www.eastbournehalf.co.uk.

Mike said, “While many entrants run for a chosen charity the organisers distribute funds each year to two major beneficiaries, this year being the RNLI and St Wilfred’s Hospice.

“Smaller amounts are paid to schools, sports clubs and associations to help with their projects.”

The main sponsor for many years has been Reid and Dean and they also take an active role in helping organise and run the event together with distributing the grants.

New for this year is Aldi who will be opening their new Eastbourne store in the spring. They are kindly providing the refreshments, and rumour has it a team of 25 entrants.

The successful event needs a lot of volunteers. From marshalling,to run drinks stations and entertaining the runners.

Organisers are calling for anyone interest in helping out to email [email protected].

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