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Brighton Marathon

BrightonEnglandUnited Kingdom

Next race

Sunday, 11 April 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban coastal road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Brighton Marathon is one of the UK's largest spring marathons, with more than 11,000 finishers running from Preston Park to a finish at Hove Lawns on Kingsway. The course passes the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Marina, and a mid-course out-and-back on Madeira Drive before the final miles through Hove to the seafront. 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.

Typical participants

Approximately 11k finishers

Weather

Cool to mild and humid spring

8–10°C · humidity 70–85%

Marathon weather guide →

Course records
Men: 2:09:25 — William Chebor (2014)Women: 2:28:50 — Eunice Kales (2013)

Course & terrain

Brighton Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Brighton Marathon runs from Preston Park through Brighton and along the coast, with an Ovingdean U-turn and a mid-course out-and-back on Madeira Drive (not the finish). After the seafront sections through Hove, runners finish at Hove Lawns on Kingsway. The course is mostly flat overall, with the strongest support at Preston Park, on the coastal miles, and around the finish on Hove Lawns.

Brighton Marathon route map

Registration

Brighton Marathon entry requirements

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

Getting there

Brighton Marathon travel

Airports closest to Brighton for flight planning and race-week travel.
Closest airport

London (LGW)

London Gatwick Airport

36 km / 22 mi

Race footage

Brighton Marathon videos

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!

Common questions

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 rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
Where can I find the Brighton Marathon route map?
This page includes a Brighton Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes the Level, the Royal Pavilion area, Brighton Marina, and an out-and-back on Madeira Drive around mile 15 before continuing west through Hove to the seafront 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 from Preston Park to Hove Lawns on Kingsway.
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 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 at Hove Lawns on Kingsway in Hove. Madeira Drive is a mid-course out-and-back around mile 15, not the finish. The final miles run along the Hove seafront before the closing stretch 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. 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 Hove Lawns along the seafront is slightly downhill, helping tired legs.
What is the atmosphere like at the Hove Lawns finish?
Large crowds line the final miles through Hove and gather at Hove Lawns on Kingsway for the finish. The April race-day party atmosphere on the seafront 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.

Official resources

Brighton Marathon links

Websites

Social Media

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Brighton.

London Marathon
World Marathon Major
LondonEnglandUnited Kingdom· 76 km away

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: Saturday, 24 April 2027

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Planning guides

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