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Endurancelife - Coastal Trail Series - Sussex

17-Apr-2021 Birling Gap, Sussex, UK (England)

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5 REVIEWS

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Trail Race Race Terrain

55KM / 34Miles
1 Day

Alternate Distances: 42KM/26M 21KM/13M 11KM/7M

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Advanced

Entry From £33 GBP

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With the world famous Seven Sisters, and far reaching views out over the English Channel, these courses are already attracting international recognition.

The Sussex 10K, half, marathon and ultra routes shoulder the coastal towns of Eastbourne and Seaford, which lie to the eastern section of the South Downs National Park.

Where the land meets the sea, the results have produced one of the most iconic coastal landscapes of Britain - vast cliffs of brilliant white chalk.

Based from one of the few coastal access points on this coast, Birling Gap is perfectly positioned for runners to explore this dramatic cliff ridden coastline. Expect a few ups and downs as you negotiate that beautiful rolling downland!

Event Organiser
Endurancelife

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Beginner

Elevation: Very little change < 500 metres. Benign running terrain, not technical.

Suitable for: First ultra runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running in the last six months.

Intermediate

Elevation: Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed at least one ultra distance race (or similar event) or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Advanced

Elevation: Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Expert

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat) and or technical terrain

Suitable for: Experienced runners who have completed at least regular ultra distances in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Brutal

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude) and or technical terrain.

Suitable for: Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Type: An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for: Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Global - Virtual

Type: A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for: For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Review Endurancelife - Coastal Trail Series - Sussex

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2restlessbyfar

03:15 22-05-17

My first trail ultra, this was an eye opener! The 2017 edition included very strong winds (not unexpected I guess). This is one hilly course no to be underestimated, and the last 8 miles, having passed the finish at ~26miles is cruel indeed! Very much enjoyed the overall experience, great organisation, good feed and water provisioning but the 2000m elevation will keep me away next year (I think).
Give it 4 starts only because I have nothing to compare to...

rogerwebster

02:18 20-03-17

My First Ultra. Having started running late in life, I did a 10K 3 years ago when I was 60 and have enjoyed the challenge or running further each year. Completed the Gower Marathon in November and choose this as my 1st Ultra. Drove down on the day, registered and ready to set off up the 7 Sisters. A very stiff westerly wind made this hard work with a fair bit of walking. A few bits of woods provided some shelter and then along the Cuckmere River before climbing up in to the South Downs. Nice views most of the way but then in to low cloud to obscure the best views from the top. Excellent run down to Friston Forest, thought I was going well but then the leading marathon runners started coming through. Through East Dean and almost back to the start. The wind helped along the coast towards Eastbourne. A little bit too much on the extremely steep decent after Beachy Head, thighs screaming. Out of Eastbourne and back to the start to do the 10K (12.6kms) course. 3 of the 7 Sisters and they were definitely longer and steeper this time round. Back to East Dean, the start (again) and Beachy Head for the last time. An excellent 2 mile run in to the finish. Very pleased to break 8 hours, 122 from 180 starters and 1st in age group I think. Didn't like having to pass the finish 3 times before finishing on the 4th and pity about the low cloud. Big cliffs, crashing sea all the way along the cliff tops. It was mainly up or down (not too much on the flat), exhilarating but tough. Trying to work out what my next challenge will be?

MikeyUltra

12:08 31-05-16

I have a love affair with this race.
In March 2015 I took part in this Ultra. Previously I had run the marathon and this year marshelled/course run. After working for Endurance Life I saw the incredible amount of effort and hard work that goes into bringing this event to life,Endurance Life (excuse the pun). The course,well let's start with the start. You are about the go straight over the Seven Sisters these are no easy feet. I mean I regularly run them and they inturn reguarly break me. After this it opens to the unforgettable sight of Cuckmere River and your off through a few forsets,foot paths and hills. Now,in the Ultra course route you essentially compelete two races. First the marathon route followed by the 10k route this means you will finish at end of the marathon do-not-stop-go (in Monopoly terms,collect £200) and immedatly start the 10k to make your Ultra. This is something to get your head around and as you start,round two of Seven Sisters,which this time is only half of, is quite hard. You are greeted with friendly smiles and a shinny new medal. I urge any of you to give this race ago. I,for one,will either always run or marshel this event. Its tough but trully worth it. 5*****Stars

Anna

09:13 05-04-16

Did this ultra two years in a row and this is one of the most scenic races I have done. It is a very tough course with many climbs and usually very strong coastal wind. Excellent scenery, very well organised and friendly race.

garywinstanley

08:06 21-03-16

Literally the most beautiful marathon I have ever run. Very tough course but quite fast in places in the second half.

Endurancelife - Coastal Trail Series - Sussex