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New course and England Masters opportunities in Brighton 10K...
There is one month to go before the Brighton 10K, established in 1984 by Brighton & Hove AC, returns to the popular East Sussex resort on Sunday 19 November 2023. The race regularly attracts up to 2,000 competitors to Brighton for a flat and fast PB-fest.
Last year's 38th Brighton 10K made a welcome comeback after a two-year absence due to the Covid restrictions. There were 1,200 runners who were headed by Will Bryan (Southampton AC, 30:32) and Naomi Mitchell (Reading AC, 33:45).
Nearly 200 athletes beat 40 minutes on the seafront course that passes many of Brighton's famous landmarks including Palace Pier, the Sea Life Centre and the i360 observation tower. The Brighton 10K course features broad carriageways with a smooth running surface that facilitates fast running. Brighton 10K event records are held by Rob Denmark (28:59 in 1993) and Louise Damen (33:14 in 2010).
The start is on Hove Promenade, 500m west of the i360. Runners go in a westerly direction, running the length of Hove Lawns, to the turn point at St Aubyns Road. Then they head east towards the centre of Brighton. Just after passing Palace Pier, runners cross into Madeira Drive for an out-and-back 3K loop. The second half sees the runners retracing their steps to the finish back at Hove Promenade.
For Brighton 10K regulars this is the 'new' course that was necessarily introduced last year due to extensive restoration works taking place on the 865m long Grade 2 listed Victorian cast iron Madeira Terrace Arches – where Brighton 10K used to start and finish. For details of the 2023 race route click here.
An added feature this year is that Brighton 10K has been nominated as a qualifying event for the Masters International 10K held within the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run 10K on 5 May 2024. The leading Masters athletes in five-year age groups will qualify for selection for the England Masters team, subject to meeting the minimum standards – more information here.
Brighton 10K will again host the exciting Inter-Counties team race that was won by Essex (men) and Sussex (women) in 2022. Entries are still available at £25/£27 and there will be a Junior Mile for ages 5-16 with an entry fee of £8:50.
Entry details are available at the Brighton 10K website here.
Previous results and reports at runABC South race listing here.
Image courtesy Brighton 10K on Facebook