Brighton Marathon

Location: Brighton, East Sussex
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk/brighton-marathon
2025 Marathon Date: 06/04/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 12/04/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:26:47
% Sub-3s: 1–2%
# Sub-3s: 100–499
Total Runners: 10k–20k

The Brighton Marathon is one of the UK’s largest and most prominent spring marathons, taking place each April along the scenic south coast of England. The event is set in Brighton, East Sussex – a vibrant seaside city known for its lively atmosphere, pebbled beaches, and Victorian architecture. While it is often viewed as a more relaxed alternative to London, the Brighton Marathon draws serious club runners and a large mass-participation field.

The course is a single loop that begins in Preston Park, winds through the city’s eclectic neighbourhoods, and finishes along the seafront near Madeira Drive. It offers a mix of rolling inclines and flat stretches, with the coastal sections providing welcome opportunities to settle into a rhythm. While not as hilly as some other UK marathons, Brighton is not entirely flat, with some draggy climbs in the early stages and exposed stretches later on.

Weather in early April is typically cool and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 8–12°C. Conditions along the seafront can be affected by wind, which occasionally makes the final kilometres more demanding. However, the cooler spring climate generally favours distance running and allows for sustained effort across the full 42.2 km.

Crowd support is a defining feature of the Brighton Marathon, particularly in the city centre and along the beachfront finish. The atmosphere is inclusive and supportive, combining local residents, charity cheer squads, and friends and family of runners. Water stations and medical support are regularly spaced and professionally managed.

For sub-3 marathoners, Brighton presents a well-organised, medium-fast option with good logistical support. Its single-lap design, reliable pacing conditions, and solid club runner turnout make it suitable for serious amateur athletes seeking a performance benchmark outside of the majors.

While not an all-out PB course due to some undulations and coastal exposure, the Brighton Marathon is widely respected as one of the best UK races for runners looking to combine speed, scenery, and a strong race-day experience.