The sun shone and spirits were raised as 6,362 runners finished the 32nd Brighton Half Marathon, organised by The Sussex Beacon, on Sunday 27 February. Guest starter Dame Kelly Holmes MBE got the event underway then leaped into action herself to run with the throng.

This was the 30th anniversary of Team Beacon, the HIV charity that organises the race, and Bill Puddicombe, Executive Director, Sussex Beacon said: "We are so happy to be back in our regular slot at the start of the race calendar, with a full field and the wheelchair race returning. The Brighton Half Marathon is the main fundraising event for The Sussex Beacon, but we also raise money for over 24 other charities, so it means a great deal to us to be back putting on this incredible event. A huge thank you to everyone who has come down today to run, volunteer, and support the runners!"

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

Ross Skelton (HY Runners, 1:07:48) was 30 seconds clear of Marshall Smith (Ashford AC, 1:08:18 PB) with local runner Simon Heath (Brighton Phoenix, 1:08:58) third as the top seven men went under 70 minutes on this fast course.

The compelling women’s race was narrowly won by Charlotte Ragan (Basingstoke & Mid Hants AC, 1:19:14 PB) from Rachel Gifford (Birmingham Running Athletics & Triathlon Club, 1:19:26 PB) and Emma Navesey (Lewes AC, 1:19:46 PB). 

More than 360 runners were thrilled with sub-90 minute returns on the Sussex seafront and thousands more were delighted to be racing in an unrestricted mass participation event again and raising vital funds for local charities The Sussex Beacon and Chestnut Tree House, and national charities including Alzheimer’s Society and Macmillan.

Brighton Half Marathon was supported by sponsors and partners including HIGH5, Runners Need, BBC Sussex, Donatello, RunBrighton, Frosts, JustGiving, Bird & Blend, KIND, Sea Lanes, and Brighton & Hove City Council.

Entries are already being taken here for next year's race on Sunday 26th February 2023. 

Results and reports at runABC South race listing here

Image courtesy Brighton Half Marathon