Brighton's back from the brink
London Marathon Events to organise Brighton Marathon Weekend
The UK's third most picturesque marathon, according to research published in Country & Town House magazine, has been saved from the brink following a crucial meeting at 11:00am on Monday 28 November at Hove Town Hall.
Brighton Marathon Weekend hit an estimated £1.2million-sized roadblock when organisers Grounded Events filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on Tuesday 1 November. The debts included around £150,000 owed to Brighton and Hove City Council, according to local press reports.
Councillors agreed on a plan that will see London Marathon Events (LME) awarded the licence to deliver Brighton Marathon Weekend from 2023 for three years in the first instance, with an option for an extra two years at the council’s discretion.
Although the finer points of the licence agreement still have to be thrashed out, it is clear that existing entries for 2023 will be honoured and that Brighton Marathon is back in business for the weekend of 31 March – 2 April 2023.
Speaking to the press, the co-chair of the Council’s tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, Councillor Martin Osborne, said: “The Brighton Marathon these days has a national and international reputation. It is hugely important as a fundraising event for charities, and to bring money into the local economy. I’m pleased that we have been able to agree on a way for it to take place next year.
“We’ve had months of what have turned out to be false reassurances and broken promises from Grounded Events. I am appalled that they have left so many charities, local people and businesses – and of course the council – out of pocket. London Marathon Events has experience of running one of the world’s biggest marathons. I’m sure the 2023 Brighton Marathon will be a massive success. I believe the event has a bright future and will go from strength to strength in the coming years.”
This year's Brighton Marathon Weekend on 8-10 April saw more than 12,000 participants, and almost £2 million was raised for over 300 charities. Around 1,400 youngsters took part in the Mini Mile Races. There were 2,673 finishers in the BM10K and the Brighton Marathon – won by Alix Ramsier (South London Harriers, 2:29.08 PB) and Melissah Gibson (Ealing Eagles, 2:51:07) – had more than 8,500 finishers.
Results and previous reports at runABC South race listing here
Image of Alix Ramsier courtesy Brighton Marathon Weekend on Facebook