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Join the fun on Walmer Green for biggest Clifftop Challenge yet

Hundreds of runners will pound the clifftops to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now and the entire town is invited to cheer them across the finish line.

The annual Clifftop Challenge returns to Walmer Green tomorrow (Saturday) with a record 435 people taking part.

Athletes have chosen from a variety of starting points along the coastline, including an impressive 55-mile option from Hastings.

The annual Clifftop Challenge organised by Chantele Rashbrook returns Picture: Tony Flashman
The annual Clifftop Challenge organised by Chantele Rashbrook returns Picture: Tony Flashman

Other distances include a 36-mile option from Appledore, 26-miles from Lympne Castle, a 15-mile course from Capel le Ferne, 10-miles from Dover seafront and a five-mile distance from St Margaret’s.

As they come in along the promenade from noon, families will be gathered to offer them a round of applause.

There will also be food and drink from Lillyroo’s, GinSane, Dodo Pizza and Jill Martin's award winning Kentish Knockers plus live music from Rock Choir, Your Shout, Gabriel and Friends and headline act Black Pig, continuing until 8pm.

Organiser Chantele Rashbrook, 48, from Deal, started the event in 2014 and has since raised more than £100,000 towards research into breast cancer.

The mum-of-two has direct experience with breast cancer. She was first diagnosed in 2012 and again in 2014 when the disease spread to her lung, lymph nodes, neck and chest.

Runners will take on a variety of distances along the coastline finishing in Walmer
Runners will take on a variety of distances along the coastline finishing in Walmer

For the last five years she has been receiving Kadcyla, a relatively new life-extending secondary breast cancer drug.

She describes it as a "lifeline" which is what inspires her to keep fundraising.

She said: "We never thought the Clifftop Challenge would get this big.

"I always thought it would just be a local running event but we seem to attract runners from all over the country now.

"We want to thank everyone who has signed up this year as they are raising money for a cause close to our hearts.

"Their money goes towards research and that's exactly what we need."

Chantele Rashbrook with her father Mike Griggs who helps organise the charity event Picture: Tony Flashman
Chantele Rashbrook with her father Mike Griggs who helps organise the charity event Picture: Tony Flashman

There will be a raffle with prizes including day trips, vouchers and items such as GHD hair straighteners.

People can bring their own tables and chairs or book a seat in front of the band.

Pretty in Pink, a charity after-party featuring 80s music, will be hosted by John Brown at The Tap House in South Street from 8pm.

Thanks has been given to Mike Griggs otherwise known as the Man in Pink, for his tireless work in helping to organise the event and source sponsorship.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal

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