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Father and Son Unite in Special Marathon Bid This year�s marathon includes an extra special challenge as one father prepares to run the final 70 metres to the finish line alongside his three year old son who has cancer A special request has been made to marathon organisers asking that they allow Spencer Roberts to join his dad Paul for the last leg of the race next Saturday 27 October. The little boy is hoping to be fit enough to run the final stretch or otherwise his proud father will carry him over the finish line in a bid to raise vital funds for a cancer charity. Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said �The Beachy Head Marathon always sees some really tough challenges but this one is especially moving. I want to encourage spectators to come along to the start line at St. Bedes School and provide plenty of encouragement to cheer on all the runners.� All 1,750 places have been filled for this year�s Beachy Head Marathon with runners from around the world heading for the South Downs to compete in the cross country challenge next weekend. From four American women returning for their sixth marathon to runners from as far away as South Africa and New Zealand, 2007 will see a real variety of runners taking part, all hoping to complete a personal challenge. A group of elite athletes from the Midlands want to take on an even bigger challenge this year and have decided to run the Beachy Head Marathon twice, starting at 3.30am. This means covering a staggering 52 mile double marathon course that will include a gruelling 600 steps and 28 stiles. Juniors are also warming up to take on their own challenge as this year, for the first time, juniors are being invited to take part in 2 and 3km specially adapted routes. 12 to 16 year olds will begin their course at 10am followed by 8-11 year olds at 10.45am, with Newsrack newsagent in Beatty Road sponsoring Mars Bars for the juniors. The Beachy Head Marathon takes place next Saturday, 27 October, and is organised by Eastbourne Borough Council and sponsored by Rix and Kay Solicitors and Eastbourne Hospitality Association (EHA). Bruce Hayter, Managing partner from Rix & Kay is looking forward to the marathon: �We are proud to be sponsoring the marathon for the second year and I can�t wait to congratulate everybody who takes part in this brilliant event.� The Mayor will start the 2007 Beachy Head Marathon at 9am outside St. Bede�s School on the far Western end of the seafront. Spectators are encouraged to get down to the start line, take in breathtaking views of the South Downs and cheer on all those taking part. For more information contact the Events Office on 01323 415442 or visit www.beachyheadmarathon.org.uk |
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