You are invited to step into running history with the Maverick Trail to Road Marathon – a groundbreaking new event on Sunday, 12th April 2026 that blends the wild beauty of the South Downs with the electric atmosphere of the iconic Brighton Marathon finish.

AKA The Brighton Trail Marathon, this innovative event starts in the rolling hills and woodland trails of Stanmer Park – Brighton’s gateway to adventure. From here, you’ll tackle a spectacular off-road route across the South Downs, winding through chalk ridgelines, sweeping valleys, and rugged countryside trails. Every mile will bring fresh scenery, testing climbs, and the pure freedom of trail running.

Then, in a UK first, you’ll merge seamlessly with the Brighton Marathon course, joining thousands of road runners on the final 6K stretch toward the coast. As you leave the trails behind, the roar of the crowd grows louder. Your finish line awaits on Hove Lawns, where you’ll be cheered home by thousands of spectators, soaking up the unforgettable festival atmosphere. This isn’t just another marathon – it’s two worlds colliding: the solitude of the trails and the spectacle of a big city marathon, brought together in one unforgettable race day.

The course is the star of this race, with 902 metres of elevation in the 42K route that will take you from Stanmer Park up to the National Trust Ditchling Beacon viewpoint – the highest point on the South Downs – before crossing the A27 to descend towards Brighton seafront via Woodingdean and Ovingdean. The final 6K is on Marine Parade, past Brighton Palace Pier, the i360 Observation Tower, and the colourful Hove Beach Huts. Click here for an online map of the course.

Online entry closes on Tuesday, 7th April 2026 at 11:00am. On-the-day entries will be available if the event is not sold out. Entries on or after 23rd March will not have their race packs posted and will need to collect them in person in Brighton on Friday 10th April or Saturday 11th April.

To find out more, visit the Maverick Race Brighton Trail Marathon website here.

Event details on the runABC South race listing here.

Photo courtesy of Maverick Race Brighton Trail Marathon