The Race
| Distance | 42.195 km |
| Course Type | Mostly flat, coastal and city streets |
| Start | Preston Park, Brighton |
| Finish | Madeira Drive, Brighton seafront |
| Registration | Open entry |
| Total Finishers | ~13,000 |
| Avg Race Day Temp | 10-15°C |
| Cutoff Time | 8 hours |
| Free Race Day Transport | Shuttle buses to start |
| Course Certification | UK Athletics certified |
The Brighton Marathon starts in Preston Park in the north of the city and heads south to the seafront before looping east along the coast, through the Kemp Town neighbourhood and out toward the marina, before the final run-in west along Madeira Drive to the finish line opposite the Palace Pier. The course has some hills in the early miles through the residential streets of north Brighton, but the final 10 miles are largely flat along the seafront.
Brighton is not a PB course for most runners. The early miles include some elevation, and the coastal sections can have a headwind depending on conditions. However, the crowd support along the seafront is excellent, and the finish on Madeira Drive with the pier in the background is one of the more scenic finish lines in UK marathon running.
Entry
| Registration Type | Open entry - no ballot |
| Entry Opens | Check brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk - typically autumn/winter for April race |
The Brighton Marathon is open entry. Register at brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk when entries open - typically in the autumn or winter before the April race. Places do sell out. Brighton is one of the more accessible UK marathon entries compared to the London ballot, making it a popular choice for runners who want a UK-based spring marathon with a good crowd.
Race Weekend
Expo and Number Collection
The race expo and number collection takes place at the Brighton Centre on the seafront, typically on the Saturday before race Sunday. The Brighton Centre is on Kings Road, a few minutes from the seafront hotels. Check the official website for current opening times; collection must be done before race morning.
Getting to the Start
The start is at Preston Park in the north of the city. Shuttle buses run from the seafront finish area to Preston Park on race morning - check the race website for timings and pick-up points. Preston Park station also has rail connections from Brighton station if you prefer the train.
The Course
The course starts in Preston Park, heads south through the residential streets of north Brighton to the seafront, then loops east along the coast through Kemp Town to the Marina, before the final run-in west along Madeira Drive to the finish. The early miles include some hills through the residential areas north of the city centre; the final 10 miles along the seafront are largely flat. Coastal wind can be a significant factor on the exposed sections - check the forecast.
The Finish on Madeira Drive
The finish is on Madeira Drive, the flat lower seafront road directly opposite the Palace Pier. Bag collection is in the finish area. Brighton station is approximately 20 minutes' walk from Madeira Drive; trains to London Victoria run every 30 minutes and take 55 to 60 minutes.
Where to Stay
Stay near the finish on the seafront or in The Lanes. The finish is on Madeira Drive on the eastern seafront; the shuttle to the start runs from this area. Seafront hotels give you the finish-line atmosphere and sea views. The Lanes area (central Brighton, 5 to 10 minutes from the seafront) has a wider range of hotels at different price points. Book three to six months in advance - Brighton fills quickly on marathon weekend in April.
Boutique hotel in a converted mock-Tudor building. Wine bar and bistro on site.
Contemporary boutique hotel directly on the seafront promenade. Sea-view rooms.
Victorian seafront landmark. Sea views, spa, and the most recognisable address in Brighton.
Bright, quirky guesthouse close to the station and The Lanes. Good value for a UK city break.
Reliable mid-range chain hotel a short walk from Brighton station. Good transport connections.
See & Do
The finish on Madeira Drive leaves you on the lower eastern seafront with the Palace Pier overhead. Brighton's main attractions are within a flat 20-minute radius; The Lanes, the Royal Pavilion, and the seafront are all walkable from the finish area the day after.
The Royal Pavilion
0.8km (0.5 miles) from the finish. The Prince Regent's seaside palace (1815--1822, John Nash) is the most surreal building in England: an Indian exterior, a Chinese interior, a kitchen designed to look like an underwater cave. The Banqueting Room ceiling is a giant palm tree in cast iron. Tours include the state rooms and the kitchen.
The Lanes
The network of narrow medieval lanes west of the Palace Pier, flat and mostly pedestrianised. Antique jewellery shops, independent cafés, the Brighton Fishing Museum on the beach at the western end. The North Laine area (north of the Lanes, connecting to Brighton station) has the record shops, vintage stores, and independent restaurants.
Palace Pier and the Beach
The Palace Pier juts 500 metres into the English Channel from the finish area. The amusements and fish and chip stalls at the end operate year-round. Brighton beach is shingle rather than sand - comfortable enough to sit on, not suitable for walking barefoot on post-marathon feet.
After the Race
The Brighton Marathon runs in mid-April. Sussex and Kent in April are past the winter but not yet crowded; the South Downs are green, the coastal towns are operating for their own populations. The excursions below are all accessible by rail from Brighton station, 20 minutes from the finish.
Medieval county town with Harvey's Brewery, the castle, and the town's famous bonfire society atmosphere. Easy flat walk from the station.
The chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters from Seaford beach. A flat beach walk with one of England's most dramatic coastal backdrops.
Use Gatwick as a transit point to Windsor: the castle, the Long Walk, and the Thames before flying home from Heathrow.
HMS Victory, Mary Rose, and Warrior in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Then west along the Hampshire coast before London Waterloo.
Lewes to Rye to Battle: the full East Sussex loop. Rye's cobbled streets, Battle Abbey on the 1066 site, Gatwick exit.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay near the start or the finish for the Brighton Marathon?
Stay near the finish on the seafront. The finish is on Madeira Drive on the Eastern seafront. Central Brighton hotels are within easy reach of both by foot or a short taxi.
How far in advance should I book a hotel for the Brighton Marathon?
Book three to six months in advance. Brighton fills quickly on marathon weekend in April, particularly seafront properties.
Is there free transport to the Brighton Marathon start?
Shuttle buses run from the seafront finish area to the start at Preston Park on race morning. Check the race website for timings.
What is the best neighbourhood to stay in for the Brighton Marathon?
The seafront and The Lanes. Seafront hotels give you the finish-line atmosphere; The Lanes has a wider range at different price points.
When does the Brighton Marathon expo open?
The expo and number collection takes place at the Brighton Centre on the seafront, typically on the Saturday before race Sunday.
What is the weather like at the Brighton Marathon?
April in Brighton typically runs 10 to 15°C at race start. Coastal wind is common on the seafront sections. Check the forecast in the week before the race.
How do I get from the airport to Brighton?
Gatwick is closest: around 30 minutes by Thameslink train. London Victoria to Brighton takes 55 minutes to 1 hour.
Is there a bag drop at the Brighton Marathon?
Yes. Bag drop is at the Preston Park start; bags are transported to the Madeira Drive finish area.
Should I bring a throwaway layer to the Brighton Marathon start?
Yes. The wait at Preston Park in April morning temperatures can be cold. Bring an old layer to discard at the start.
How do I get back after the Brighton Marathon?
Brighton station is approximately 20 minutes walk from the Madeira Drive finish. Trains to London Victoria run every 30 minutes.