Stories Of Strength — Inspirational Runners Set For Brighton Marathon Weekend

Incredible personal stories of determination, resilience and hope are at the heart of this year’s Brighton Marathon weekend.

Taking place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April, more than 20,000 people are expected to take part across a packed programme including the marathon, a brand-new trail marathon, the Brighton & Hove 10K and a series of family-friendly one-mile events.

More than 15,000 runners will tackle the full 26.2-mile challenge, with thousands raising money for good causes.

Behind every runner crossing the finish line on Hove Lawns is a powerful reason to take part – and for many, it’s deeply personal.

Among them is Brighton-based doctor Rob Galloway, who is running in support of Rare People – The Research Charity, a cause close to his heart.

His daughter Frankie was diagnosed with the ultra-rare genetic condition DeSanto-Shinawi Syndrome, prompting Rob and his wife to set up the charity to drive research into rare neurodevelopmental conditions.

In an emotional moment, he plans to run the final 5K pushing Frankie in her buggy, crossing the finish line together.

Also taking on the challenge is ultrarunner Hannah Cox, who arrives in Brighton after completing a staggering 4,200km journey across India.

Her challenge saw her run 75 marathons and 23 ultramarathons through 11 states, all while managing serious health conditions.

The Brighton Marathon will mark her 99th marathon, as part of her wider “Project Salt Run” aiming to raise £1 million for environmental causes.

Closer to home, Nuala Smyth from Littlehampton is preparing for a remarkable milestone of her own.

This will be her 228th marathon – and she’s run every Brighton Marathon since it began in 2010. Her journey is even more extraordinary given she is living with stage 4 lung cancer.

Despite her diagnosis in 2023, Nuala has continued running and fundraising, including completing her 200th marathon in Brighton last year.

She describes the event as a highlight of her calendar, bringing together friends and family for what they call their annual “family AGM”.

Runners from across the UK are also heading to Sussex for the event. Sara Kilduff is taking part in support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, inspired by the impact the condition has had on her family.

Meanwhile, Lora Christy is running for Marie Curie in memory of her father, who was cared for by the charity before his death.

This year’s race falls on what would have been his 80th birthday, making the run especially meaningful.

Organisers say more than 3,000 marathon runners and 500 10K participants will be fundraising, highlighting the scale of support for charities both locally in Sussex and nationwide.

With thousands set to line the streets and a festival atmosphere expected across Brighton and Hove, the weekend promises not just a celebration of running – but of resilience, community and the power of personal stories.