The Brighton Marathon 2026 will be one of the UK's most popular running events. The Brighton marathon draws thousands of runners to the south coast every year. The Brighton Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday 12 April 2026, starting at Preston Park in Brighton. Runners can take part in either the Brighton Marathon (26.2 miles) or the Brighton & Hove 10K, with both events forming part of Brighton Marathon Weekend. Whether you're an experienced marathoner, charity runner, or first-timer, Brighton offers a lively atmosphere and scenic seaside views. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the race.
Brighton Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday, 12 April 2026.
The event starts at Preston Park in Brighton
Runners can choose between the Brighton Marathon and the Brighton & Hove 10K
Charity places, training support, and race-day guidance are available through the organisers
The Brighton Marathon route runs through Brighton and Hove before finishing along the seafront near Hove Lawns
The Brighton Marathon is hugely popular.⁴ It attracts thousands of runners every year. Runners can enjoy a scenic coastal course with enthusiastic crowds, much like the coastal and urban Edinburgh Marathon. It's great for experienced runners and first-time participants alike.
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Brighton Marathon 2026 Key Dates
The Brighton Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday, 12 April 2026 in Brighton. Both the full marathon and the Brighton & Hove 10K form part of the event weekend. Because entry conditions, deadlines, and race information can change, runners should check the official event website regularly for the latest details before planning their race weekend.
Brighton Marathon runners pass through one of England’s most distinctive seaside cities during the race. | Photo by Ana Simon
The Brighton Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday, 12 April 2026.
The race begins in Preston Park, one of Brighton’s largest green spaces.
The finish area is located along the Brighton seafront near Hove Lawns.
Thousands of runners from across the UK and abroad participate each year.
Brighton’s coastal setting makes it one of the most scenic marathons in southern England.
Race Options
The main race is the Brighton Marathon, which covers the standard 26.2 miles (42.195 km).
Runners can also participate in the Brighton & Hove 10K, a shorter race held during the same event weekend.²
The marathon is designed for experienced runners and first-time marathon participants alike.
The 10K provides an accessible option for beginners or those building toward longer races.
Both events contribute to the lively atmosphere of Brighton Marathon Weekend.
Registration Details
To participate in the race, or any of the big marathons in the UK, you must register in advance in accordance with the official race entry conditions.⁶ As a popular race, it's recommended that you register as early as possible (which often makes it cheaper). The sooner you secure your space, the sooner you can start preparing.
How to Register
Runners register through the official Brighton Marathon Weekend website.
Participants must create a runner account before completing the entry form.
Registration requires personal details, emergency contact information, and an estimated finish time when completing the race entry form.⁶
After completing payment, runners receive confirmation by email with race instructions.
Event organisers recommend registering early as places can sell out quickly.
Entry Fees and Deadlines
Event
Distance
Entry Type
Notes
Brighton Marathon
26.2 miles
Standard entry or charity place
Main marathon race starting at Preston Park
Brighton & Hove 10K
10 km
Open entry
Shorter race option during Brighton Marathon Weekend
Charity Entry
Marathon or 10K
Fundraising place
Participants run for an official charity with a fundraising target
Entry fees vary by race and registration phase (early, standard, or late).
Early registration periods sometimes offer lower prices before prices increase later.
Charity places are available for runners who commit to a fundraising target.
Registration deadlines are announced by organisers ahead of the race weekend.
Runners should check the official website for the latest pricing and availability.
Course Information
A combination of city streets and stretches along the seafront, the Brighton Marathon route makes it one of the UK's most enjoyable races and quite a different experience to that of the famous London Marathon. It's also a good course for first-timers as it's relatively flat.
Here's a flyover of the 2025 route, which should be the same as the 2026 one.
Marathon Route
The Brighton Marathon route follows a coastal city course through Brighton and Hove.⁵
Early miles take runners through northern Brighton neighbourhoods before heading toward the seafront.
Runners experience long stretches along Brighton’s seafront road overlooking the English Channel.
The course includes sections near landmarks such as the Brighton Palace Pier and Marina area.
The final miles return west toward the finish area near Hove Lawns.
Sections of the Brighton Marathon route run along the famous seafront near Brighton Palace Pier. | Photo by Ben Guerin
10K Route
The Brighton & Hove 10K offers a shorter race along the city’s coastal roads.³
Much of the route follows flat seafront roads between Brighton and Hove, making it suitable for beginners.
Participants experience views of the English Channel and Brighton beach.
The race attracts both competitive runners and recreational participants.
Spectators line the seafront to cheer runners toward the finish.
Any marathon, whether it's the Manchester Marathon or the Brighton Marathon, requires training and preparation to build endurance and reduce the risk of injury.¹⁰ Every runner is different, but training generally involves building endurance for longer distances before tapering to allow for recovery before the race. The exact amount and intensity of your training should be tailored to you and your running experience.
Training Plans
Most marathon training programmes last 12 to 16 weeks.
Weekly mileage gradually increases to prepare runners for the full distance.
Long runs are typically scheduled on weekends to build endurance.
Many runners incorporate strength training and rest days to reduce injury risk.
Training plans should be adapted to individual fitness levels and experience.
Proper running shoes and consistent training are essential preparation for completing the Brighton Marathon. | Photo by Taylor Friehl
Nutrition and Hydration Tips
Marathon training requires a balanced diet that supports endurance running.
Carbohydrates help fuel long training sessions and race-day performance.
Hydration is essential, especially during longer runs and warmer conditions.
Many runners use energy gels or sports drinks during extended training sessions.
Testing nutrition strategies during training helps avoid issues on race day.
Charity Participation
Fundraising is a key part of the Brighton Marathon, with many runners participating through official charity places.⁹ With many runs around the UK, including half marathons like the Great Bristol Run, runners specifically take part to raise money for charities. Additionally, participating in a charity event is a way to get a bib for the race in return for raising a set amount of money for the charity that provided it.
Running for Charity
Many participants secure their race entry by running for a charity partner.
Charity runners usually commit to a minimum fundraising target set by their chosen charity.
Fundraising often involves online donation pages and community events.
Charities typically provide guidance, training, advice, and team support.
Running for charity allows participants to combine personal goals with social impact.
Partner Charities
Brighton Marathon partners with a range of national and local charities.
Organisations supporting health, research, and community causes often take part.
Charity partners usually provide runners with fundraising resources.
Many charities organise cheer points along the course to support participants.
Joining a charity team can help runners stay motivated during training.
Race Day Logistics
To do your best on race day, it's best not to worry about the logistics. For both marathons like the one in Brighton or half marathons like Cardiff, by preparing in advance, completing your training, knowing where you're staying, and having a good idea of how to get to and from the race, you can focus on running. Even little things like laying out your clothes the night before can help you make the most of the race.
Thousands of runners take to Brighton’s streets each April for one of the UK’s most popular marathons. | Photo by sporlab
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Planning Your Race Weekend
Brighton Marathon weekend attracts runners, spectators, and charity teams from across the UK. Planning accommodation, transport, and arrival times in advance can make race day much easier. Booking early is recommended, particularly if you want to stay close to the start at Preston Park, the seafront, or Brighton city centre.
Accommodation Options
Brighton offers numerous accommodation options, including hotels and guesthouses.
Many runners choose accommodation near Preston Park or the seafront.
Staying close to the start area can simplify race-morning travel.
Hotels and short-term rentals often fill quickly during marathon weekend.
Booking early can help secure better prices and availability.
Transportation and Parking
Road closures are implemented across parts of Brighton during the race to ensure the marathon route operates safely.⁸
Public transport is usually recommended for runners and spectators.
Brighton railway station provides connections to London and southern England.
Local buses run throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Event organisers publish detailed travel guidance before race day.
Spectator Information
Spectators gather along the route to encourage runners throughout the race.
Popular viewing areas include Brighton seafront and sections of the course near the city centre.
Supporters often bring banners, music, and encouragement for participants.
Charity teams organise dedicated cheer points for their runners.
Planning viewing locations in advance can help spectators navigate the course.
Post-Race Information
Once you've done it, especially if it's your first time, you'll likely be exhausted and elated in equal measures. Celebrate your achievement with official photos or by exploring Brighton, provided you still have the energy. There's a good atmosphere after the race for you to enjoy.
Results and Photos
Official results are published online shortly after the race finishes.⁷
Runners can search for results by name, bib number, or finishing time.
Split times may be available for key points along the course.
Professional photographers capture images throughout the race and at the finish line.
Participants can access and download their race photos online.
Weather Considerations
Brighton’s April weather can vary from cool spring conditions to mild sunshine.
Temperatures during the race are typically cool spring conditions, often between 8°C and 14°C.
Coastal winds may affect runners along exposed sections of the seafront.
Checking the forecast before race day helps runners plan clothing and pacing.
Preparing for changing weather conditions can improve race-day performance.
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