Thousands Run Brighton's Half Marathon

Organisers said tonight (Sunday, October 10) that thousands of runners turned out earlier today for the Brighton Half Marathon.

In what were described as "perfect" race conditions, competitors ran 13.1 miles around the city of Brighton.

The event marks the 31st anniversary of the Brighton Half Marathon, reportedly dubbed ‘the happiest half’ by both runners and spectators.

The race was started at 9am by ‘Beaky’- a new seagull mascot for the race.

The name is also a nod to the fact that the event is organised by local HIV charity The Sussex Beacon.

The route took runners past the seafront cliff tops of east Brighton, the Royal Pavilion, The Grand Brighton hotel, the i360, the colourful beach huts of Hove seafront and the iconic Brighton Palace Pier.

The field featured hundreds of runners new to the half marathon distance, experienced half marathoners and elite runners, with hundreds of spectators lining the route to cheer on the runners.  

In the men’s race, course record holder and second time winner, Paul Navesey, of City of Portsmouth AC, took first place with a time of 68 minutes and 10 seconds.

Second place went to Marcus England, of Western Tempo, who came home in at 68 minutes and 55 seconds.

Third place went to hometown runner James Turner of Brighton & Hove AC, who finished in 69 minutes and 29 seconds.    

The women’s race was won by elite runner, Bobby Searle of Brighton Phoenix, who finished in 82 minutes and 25 seconds.

She was followed by Dani Tarleton of Arena 80 AC in 83 minutes and 03 seconds.

Third place went to Emily Proto of Lewes AC in 84 minutes and 33 seconds.   

Alongside the elite field, thousands of charity runners took to the streets of the city, raising money for over 30 charities, including local charities The Sussex Beacon, You Raise Me Up, SayAphasia and Chestnut Tree House, and national charities including Alzheimer’s Society, Macmillan and the RFU Injured Players Foundation.

The Sussex Beacon is a Brighton-based charity which provides a range of services for men, women and families living with or affected by HIV across Sussex.

Bill Puddicombe, Chief Executive, Sussex Beacon said:

"We are so happy to be back.

"Today was a fantastic event, with thousands of runners turning out to support the race.

"The Brighton Half Marathon is the main fundraising event of The Sussex Beacon, but we also raise money for over 30 other charities, so it means a great deal to us to be back putting on this incredible event.

"A huge thank you to all the runners and volunteers who turned out this morning, we couldn't do it without you!"