Brighton

Racing it

1. 01

   Flat, but not free

   The profile is flat, yet the loop still stacks up around 90m of climbing, mostly along the clifftop stretch toward Ovingdean and Marine Drive. Ease through that half and let the run back west carry you to the finish.

   From the elevation profile

2. 02

   Cold seafront start

   You go at 09:30 with a typical race-day temperature of 5.8C, and much of the route is exposed sea frontage. Wear layers you can ditch once you're moving.

   From the start time

3. 03

   One loop, no transfer

   This is a loop starting on Hove Lawns and finishing on the seafront, so there's no start-line shuttle to arrange. Base yourself near the front and walk to the start.

   From the layout

4. 04

   The turn at the cliffs

   The pivot comes at the Blind Veterans UK center, where a sharp turn sends you back west with clifftop and city views. Expect to lose rhythm there and rebuild over the long return.

   From the description

5. 05

   Sort your place early

   Entry is by ballot, so secure your spot before you commit a winter training block to February. Know your place is confirmed before the long runs start stacking up.

   From the entry

In Brighton

• Getting to the front

  Race-day closures follow the seafront, so walk or take the train into the center and allow extra time. Brighton station sits up the hill from the beach, so it's a downhill stroll to the course.

• Where to watch

  Brighton Palace Pier and Hove Lawns are the classic vantage points. Because the course loops back along the seafront, spectators can catch runners more than once without moving far.

• After the finish

  The seafront promenade and the Lanes are an easy walk for a leg-stretching wander once you've cooled down, and the Royal Pavilion gardens make a calm stop nearby.