Principal lecturer Rob Harley wins the Beachy Head Marathon
Published 31 October 2012
Principal lecturer from the School of Sport and Service Management, Rob Harley has won the 2012 Beachy Head Marathon in a time of 3 hours, 9 minutes and 51 seconds.
Another principal lecturer at the school, Stuart Mills, who has won the event a record seven times, finished second in a time of 3 hours, 10 minutes and 38 seconds.
The Beachy Head Marathon in Eastbourne is one the biggest off-road marathons in the UK.
In total there were over 1,300 finishers and four members of staff from the school took part.
As well as Rob and Stuart, senior lecturer James Wallis finished in 55th place with a time of 3:46:31, and Rosie Twomey finished in a time of 4:50:57.
Two students also took part in the event. Second year Sport and Exercise Science BSc(Hons) student Jacob Miles finished in 132nd place, and Sport and Exercise Science MSc student Kerrie Edmonds finished in 366th place.
Rob said: “I would like to thank everyone who has congratulated me since my run on Saturday. It would seem that anything is achievable if you set your mind to it.
“When I came to Eastbourne over 20 years ago I played football regularly for Eastbourne Town and ran to keep myself fit. I then competed in the Eastbourne 10 mile fun run, built up to the Eastbourne half and then first took on the Beachy Head marathon in 2003, finishing 25th in 3 hours and 35 minutes.
“Nine years on, and with a number of miles and personal physical challenges completed, I have managed to improve my personal best to a winning time this year of 3 hours and 9 minutes. That is an average of one minute per mile quicker. Don’t be scared to set yourself goals that at the time you might think I might never be able to do that. Yes, goals should be realistic but you will be amazed what you can achieve if you set your mind to it.”
Stuart was running this year's marathon for Teenage Cancer Trust. He said: “Thanks to everyone that gave us support on the day, and for the congratulations following the race.
“Also thanks to those of you that have donated some money to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Donations are still very much welcome on the following Justgiving site - http://www.justgiving.com/StuartMills-UltraStu.”
