Brighton Marathon announces race starter

Paul Sinton-Hewitt will to send more than 15,000 runners on their way as he sounds the starting klaxon for the 2018 Brighton Marathon and BM10k.

He said: “I’m delighted to be involved with The Brighton Marathon and BM10k at every level. These events are critical for so many folks of every ability and from all parts of the country. I get goosebumps just thinking about being at the start line seeing all those people getting ready to challenge themselves. I can’t wait for the day.”

Paul's organisation parkrun organises free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world (2km for juniors) and will shortly be launching in their twentieth country. Its events encourage people of every ability to take part, from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians.

Tom Naylor, Brighton Marathon Weekend event director, said: “It’s fantastic to have this year's Brighton Marathon and BM10k started by someone who has worked so hard to expand the running community in both the UK and abroad.

"Many participants in this Brighton Marathon Weekend will have taken part in a parkrun as a part of their training, or been inspired by Paul's work to take up running.

"The parkrun ethos of creating a safe and easy running environment has brought communities together, and this vision is very compatible with what the Brighton Marathon Weekend aims to do every April.”

The Brighton Marathon Weekend includes The Cancer Research UK ‘Kids & Teens’ Mini Mile Races on Saturday, April 14, the BM10k and the Brighton Marathon on Sunday, April 15 and the Event Village will be open on Madeira Drive from April 13 to 15.

For more on the Brighton Marathon, visit: www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk/events/brighton-marathon/