Brighton Marathon: Complete Training and Race Guide

What is the Brighton Marathon?

The Brighton Marathon is a 26.2-mile (42.195 km) road race run along the Brighton and Hove seafront on the south coast of England. It takes place in spring, a few weeks before the London Marathon, and is described by the organiser as the UK's third-largest marathon. Since 2023 it has been owned and organised by London Marathon Events, the same team behind the London Marathon, and as of July 2026 the next event is Sunday 4 April 2027.

The marathon sits inside a wider festival, the Brighton Marathon Weekend, which also includes the Brighton and Hove 10K and the Brighton Miles, a free event open to all ages. That mix makes it a good weekend for a whole club or family, with shorter options for anyone not ready for the full distance. The atmosphere is a big part of the appeal, with crowds lining the promenade and a free beach village celebration area near the finish.

Because it is a coastal race, the Brighton Marathon has a reputation as a fast, scenic course that still asks a fair question of your legs in the first half. It suits runners who want a big-city feel with sea air, and it works well as a spring goal race or as a stepping stone before a summer or autumn target. Details such as the exact date, entry fees and event capacity are set by the organiser and can change year to year, so treat the official site as the single source of truth.

What is the route like?

The course starts with a flat opening in Preston Park before heading north and then back through the city centre, taking in landmarks as it winds towards the coast. Once you reach the sea, the route runs east along Marine Parade and Marine Drive, with sweeping views towards the cliffs and a turnaround near Ovingdean. The return brings you back past Brighton's most recognisable sights, including Brighton Pier, the i360, the Grand Hotel and the Peace Statue along Madeira Drive.

The final miles head west on Kingsway and the Hove promenade, passing the colourful beach huts at Mile 25 before the finish at Hove Lawns. Underfoot it is tarmac road for almost the whole way, with a short 200-metre section of block paving around Mile 4.5. Total climbing is about 477 feet, and the four main climbs come at Miles 1, 7, 9 and 11, so the hard work is largely behind you by halfway. The second half is where the course rewards patience, with wide, mostly flat promenade running along the coast.

Figures verified from the official London Marathon Events site as of July 2026. Dates, fees and capacity change year to year, so confirm current details at brightonmarathon.co.uk before you enter.

How do you get a place?

Unlike the London Marathon, Brighton does not use a public ballot. Entry is general, so places are open to anyone without a qualifying time, through the official Brighton Marathon Weekend site. As of July 2026, entries for the 2027 event open on Sunday 12 April 2026, so it is worth putting a reminder in your diary if you want to secure a spot early. Popular editions can fill through the year, and the organiser states that entries are non-refundable and cannot be deferred or transferred, so only commit when you are confident you can train and travel.

If general entry has closed or you would like to raise money while you run, charity places are another route in. Official charity partners hold guaranteed places in exchange for a fundraising commitment, which can be a rewarding way to take on your first marathon. Entry fees are set by the organiser and published on the official site when entries open. We are not quoting a price here because fees change year to year, so check the current cost at brightonmarathon.co.uk before you sign up.

How should you train for a marathon?

This guide assumes you can already run comfortably and have a base of regular running behind you. If you are a true beginner, it is safer to build up with a shorter-distance plan first, such as a 10K or half marathon, and return to the marathon once running several times a week feels routine. For everyone else, around 16 weeks of structured training is a sensible window to arrive at the start line fit and fresh.

The engine of any marathon build is the weekly long run, run at an easy, conversational effort so you can hold a chat. Increase it gradually rather than in big jumps, and pull it back roughly every fourth week to let your body absorb the work. Most of your other running should also be easy, with one focused session a week to add a little speed or sustained effort. Strength and mobility work is widely recommended to support marathon training and help you stay durable as mileage climbs, so keeping two short strength sessions and regular mobility in your week is a smart habit. Build mileage gradually, listen to your body, and see a physio or GP for any pain, injury or health condition rather than running through it.

The outline below shows one progressive 16-week approach. Long runs are in miles and build to a peak around Week 13 before a two to three week taper lets you freshen up. Treat it as a framework to adapt to your own starting fitness, not a rule to force.

How should you pace it?

The most common marathon mistake is starting too fast, and Brighton makes that tempting because the crowds and the sea air lift you along in the early miles. The smart plan is to hold back over the first few kilometres, settle into a rhythm that feels almost too easy, and let your effort stay even as the climbs at Miles 1, 7, 9 and 11 come and go. Run those hills by effort rather than pace, giving a little time back on the way up and taking it gently on the way down to protect your legs.

Once the main climbs are behind you around halfway, the flatter seafront section is where a steady, patient runner can come into their own. Aim for even splits or a slightly faster second half, keep sipping fluid and taking on fuel on a regular schedule you have practised in training, and save your effort for the final few miles along the promenade. If in doubt, run the first half with your head and the second half with your heart. Practising your goal pace in training, as in the marathon-pace runs above, makes race-day effort feel far more familiar.

What should you know on race day?

Arrive with plenty of time for travel, bag drop and the toilet queues, and plan your journey in advance because central Brighton is busy on marathon morning. Lay out your kit the night before, pin your number, and stick to food and drink you have used in training rather than trying anything new. A free bag drop is available at the event, and pacers run a range of finishing times if you would like a group to sit with, which can take the mental load off judging your own pace.

Check the weather the night before, since a coastal course can bring wind along the seafront, and dress for the conditions with layers you are happy to discard. Start in the pen that matches your realistic goal, keep your early pace controlled, and use the crowd support as a lift rather than a reason to surge. After you cross the line at Hove Lawns, keep moving, collect your bag, take on some fluid and food, and enjoy the beach village atmosphere. As always, if something hurts beyond normal fatigue, stop and seek advice from a medical professional rather than pushing through.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Brighton Marathon and how do you enter?

The Brighton Marathon is a 26.2-mile (42.195 km) road marathon along the Brighton and Hove seafront on the south coast of England, held each spring. As of July 2026 the next event is Sunday 4 April 2027, run by London Marathon Events. Entry is general with no public ballot, and places for 2027 open on Sunday 12 April 2026 through the official site, with charity places also available. Confirm current dates and fees at brightonmarathon.co.uk.

When is the Brighton Marathon 2027?

As of July 2026, the 2027 Brighton Marathon is scheduled for Sunday 4 April 2027. The race is typically held on a Sunday in April, but the exact date changes year to year, so always check the official site before making plans.

How much does it cost to enter?

Entry fees are set by the organiser and published on the official site when entries open. We are not quoting a figure here because prices change year to year and are confirmed at the point of entry. Check brightonmarathon.co.uk for the current fee, and note that entries are non-refundable and cannot be deferred or transferred.

Is the Brighton Marathon flat and good for a personal best?

It is a fast, mostly coastal course with around 477 feet of climbing. The four main climbs come at Miles 1, 7, 9 and 11, so the first half asks the harder questions, while the second half runs west along the flatter seafront. Even, patient pacing suits it well and gives you a real chance at a strong time.

How long does it take to train for a marathon?

Most runners with a solid base allow around 16 weeks of structured training, building the long run gradually with an easier week roughly every fourth week and a two to three week taper. True beginners should build to a shorter distance such as a 10K or half marathon first. See a physio or GP for any pain, injury or health condition before and during your build.