What is the Brighton Marathon elevation profile?

The Brighton Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.

How long is the Brighton Marathon?

The Brighton Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Urban coastal road starting in Preston Park and finishes on Madeira Drive on the Brighton seafront.

What time does the Brighton Marathon start?

The 2027 Brighton Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 11 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Where does the Brighton Marathon start and finish?

The race starts in Preston Park in central Brighton and finishes on Madeira Drive along the seafront near Brighton Pier. The final mile descends toward the Channel.

Is the Brighton Marathon flat?

Largely yes. The course has gentle undulations through Brighton and Hove but no major hills. The final approach to Madeira Drive is slightly downhill, helping tired legs.

What is the atmosphere like on Madeira Drive?

The seafront finish draws large crowds along Madeira Drive and near Brighton Pier. The April race-day party atmosphere is one of the race's defining features.

What weather should I expect at the Brighton Marathon in April?

April on the Sussex coast is unpredictable — 8–14 °C (46–57 °F) is typical, but wind off the Channel can feel cold. Layers and a throwaway top for Preston Park are wise.

Brighton Marathon

Brighton, England, United Kingdom

Overview

The Brighton Marathon is one of the UK's largest spring marathons, with more than 11,000 finishers running from Preston Park to the seafront Madeira Drive finish. The course passes the Royal Pavilion, Hove lawns, and Brighton Marina before a downhill final mile to the English Channel. April race-day atmosphere in Brighton — with crowds on the seafront — makes it a favourite UK destination marathon.

Brighton Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Brighton Marathon 2027 race day

The next Brighton Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 11 April 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.

Brighton Marathon course route

The Brighton Marathon is an out-and-back course from Preston Park to a seafront finish on Madeira Drive, passing the Level, Brighton Marina, and the Royal Pavilion area before returning along the coast. It trends gently downhill toward the finish and is mostly flat overall, with the strongest support at Preston Park, on the coastal section, and on Madeira Drive.

Brighton Marathon elevation profile

The Brighton Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

Brighton Marathon Weekend is held on the second Sunday of April. Registration is through https://www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk/ and typically sells out months in advance.

Brighton Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

BRIGHTON MARATHON GUIDE: Full COURSE PREVIEW plus tips and advice for runners and spectators!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Brighton Marathon elevation profile?: The Brighton Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Brighton Marathon?: The Brighton Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Urban coastal road starting in Preston Park and finishes on Madeira Drive on the Brighton seafront.
What time does the Brighton Marathon start?: The 2027 Brighton Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 11 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Brighton Marathon start and finish?: The race starts in Preston Park in central Brighton and finishes on Madeira Drive along the seafront near Brighton Pier. The final mile descends toward the Channel.
When is the Brighton Marathon and how do I enter?: Brighton Marathon Weekend is held on the second Sunday of April. Registration is through https://www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk/ and typically sells out months in advance.
Is the Brighton Marathon flat?: Largely yes. The course has gentle undulations through Brighton and Hove but no major hills. The final approach to Madeira Drive is slightly downhill, helping tired legs.
What is the atmosphere like on Madeira Drive?: The seafront finish draws large crowds along Madeira Drive and near Brighton Pier. The April race-day party atmosphere is one of the race's defining features.
What weather should I expect at the Brighton Marathon in April?: April on the Sussex coast is unpredictable — 8–14 °C (46–57 °F) is typical, but wind off the Channel can feel cold. Layers and a throwaway top for Preston Park are wise.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Brighton.

London, England, United Kingdom· 76 km awayWorld Marathon Major

London Marathon

The TCS London Marathon is one of the world's most popular races, famous for its incredible charity fundraising and electric atmosphere. The fast course passes Tower Bridge, the Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, and finishes on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. With gentle undulations and around 127 metres of total climbing, it consistently produces fast times — including Sabastian Sawe's 1:59:30 men's world record and Tigst Assefa's 2:15:41 women's-only world record, both set at the 2026 race.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

Southampton, England, United Kingdom· 89 km away

Southampton Marathon

The Southampton Marathon draws approximately 1,350 finishers each April on an urban road in Southampton, United Kingdom. The event combines big-city logistics with a smaller-field atmosphere than London's spring marathon scene. The route passes the old walls area, parks, and port-city roads connected to the south coast waterfront. Old walls, parks, and port-city roads climb toward the south coast waterfront on a course that blends big-city logistics with a smaller-field feel.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Brockenhurst, England, United Kingdom· 101 km away

New Forest Marathon

The New Forest Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each September on a forest road in Brockenhurst, United Kingdom. Natural scenery and the presence of free-roaming animals make it distinct from urban UK marathons. The route passes heathland, forest roads, roaming ponies, and open stretches through the national park. Heathland, forest roads, and open stretches roll past roaming ponies through the national park on a course defined by natural scenery rather than city landmarks.

Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026

Abingdon, England, United Kingdom· 123 km away

Abingdon Marathon

The Abingdon Marathon is a traditional multi-lap race in Oxfordshire, drawing about 1,000 finishers each October on a flat, fast course at the Abingdon Airfield. The four-lap format on closed airfield roads is popular with UK runners chasing personal bests. October cool English weather and the simple, traffic-free course make it one of Britain's fastest autumn marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027

Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom· 142 km away

Milton Keynes Marathon

The Milton Keynes Marathon draws about 4,000 finishers each May through Britain's planned new-town city of redways and roundabouts. The course follows the linear park system, passes the Xscape dome, and uses the wide boulevards and traffic-free redways that define Milton Keynes. May spring weather and a flat, fast course make it popular with runners chasing personal bests in the Home Counties.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

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