Brighton2026

Racing it

1. 01

   Rolling, Not Flat

   The course is rolling with about 152 m of total climb spread across the marathon, so there's no single big hill to save yourself for. Settle into an even effort and let the rollers come to you.

   From the elevation profile

2. 02

   Seafront Wind

   Large stretches run along the promenade on Kingsway and Marine Parade with nothing to block the wind off the Channel. Expect to work harder on the exposed coastal miles, especially heading back toward central Brighton.

   From the description

3. 03

   Cool Coastal Start

   Typical race-day temperature is around 9.3°C, and maritime conditions add wind chill on the seafront. Plan layers you can shed once you're moving but keep for the exposed coastal sections.

   From the temperature

4. 04

   City Then Coast

   From Preston Park the route goes through the city center before reaching the seafront, then out through Hove and Ovingdean. Use the sheltered early miles to find your rhythm before the open coastal road.

   From the description

5. 05

   Late Listed Start

   The listed start time is 23:00, so build your race-day eating, warm-up and sleep plan around that gun time rather than assuming a morning start.

   From the start time

In Brighton

• Getting Around

  Brighton is compact and much of it is walkable, with the main rail station uphill from the seafront. Roads along the promenade close on race day, so walking is usually the easiest way between the start, the coast and the finish area.

• Where to Watch

  Preston Park sees the start, and the seafront promenade by the pier and Hove Lawns give spectators long stretches of the route with the beach and Channel as a backdrop.

• After the Race

  Recover with a slow walk along the pebble beach and promenade, or wander the Lanes and the Regency squares behind the seafront. The sea air and flat seafront paths make gentle moving easier the day after.