A guide to the 2026 Brighton Marathon

April 5, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

The route goes past the Royal Pavilion [Brighton Marathon]

Thousands of runners are expected to take part in the 2026 Brighton Marathon on 12 April.

Visit asg-reflektory.pl for more information.

The first event in the city took place in 2010, with just over 7,500 competitors, but more than 20,000 participants are expected to start the 26.2-mile (41.1km) race this year.

It is organised by London Marathon Events (LME) and starts in Preston Park across various wave times from 09:45 BST.

We answer some of the key questions surrounding the event:

What is the route of the Brighton Marathon?

The Brighton Marathon begins at Preston Park and finishes on Madeira Drive [Brighton Marathon/Strava]

The Brighton Marathon begins at Preston Park and goes through the city centre, past the Royal Pavilion, out to Ovingdean, back along the coast to Hove, and then finishing on Madeira Drive.

The route has a total elevation of 477 feet (145m), compared with 266 ft (81m) at the London Marathon.

There is an official tracking app, so people can follow how friends, family and celebrities are getting on and plan where to spot them.

There are three accessible viewing points and three cheer zones on the course.

How do I get to the start of the marathon?

People are being told to walk from Brighton station to the start point [Getty Images]

The main race starts from Preston Park at 09:45 BST, with competitors setting off in waves based on how quickly they think they will finish.

Preston Park station will be closed on the morning of the event, as it has small platforms.

Govia Thameslink Railway, who operate trains through the station, say that closing the station is a safety measure to minimise overcrowding.

People travelling by rail are advised to take the train to Brighton station and walk from there to the start line, which is just under a mile.

Park and ride shuttle buses will also help people get to the start in time for the race.

Services operate from Mill Road, Falmer, Moulsecoomb and Brighton Racecourse, starting at 07:45 BST, but they must be pre-booked.

Only people participating in the marathon will be granted access to Preston Park.

Which roads will be closed in the city centre?

A number of key roads in Brighton city centre will be closed [Getty Images]

With the route going through Brighton city centre, road closures will be in place.

Timings vary for each road, with some closing from 06:00, but all roads are due to be open by 18:30.

Some of the key roads closed will be the A23 London Road and Preston Road, A259 Marine Parade and Marine Drive and St Leonard's Road.

A full list of road closures, as well as exact timings, is available on the Brighton Marathon website.

What do people get for finishing the marathon?

Some businesses in the city centre will offer freebies to runners who show their medal [Govia Thameslink Railway]

Anyone who completes the marathon within the cut-off time of seven hours will receive a top and a medal.

Participants will also receive an official time, which is tracked through a chip on their bib number.

At the finish line, runners will receive a goody pack and also access to the Beach Village Club at Hove Lawns to celebrate.

Some businesses in the city centre, mainly restaurants and bars, will be offering freebies to runners who show their medal upon completion.

What were the 2025 results?

Sam Cook, from Horsham, won the men's race in 2025 [BBC]

In 2025, the men's race was won by Sam Cook, from Horsham.

He finished the race in an impressive time of two hours, 26 minutes and 47 seconds, with a pace at about 3:28 per km.

Helen Reid took first place in the women's race, finishing in two hours, 52 minutes and 58 seconds.

Emily Marchant, who finished third in the women's race, combined the marathon with a hen weekend.

A lecturer and researcher at Swansea University, Marchant finished in two hours, 55 minutes and 41 seconds, despite being out until 03:00 that morning.

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