National Express to put on extra coaches for Brighton Half Marathon as mainline will be closed

A coach company has saved the day as no rail services will run between Brighton and Three Bridges on the day of Brighton Half Marathon.
Brighton Half Marathon (Photograph: The Grand Brighton Half Marathon)Brighton Half Marathon (Photograph: The Grand Brighton Half Marathon)
Brighton Half Marathon (Photograph: The Grand Brighton Half Marathon)

The popular annual event falls during the week-long Brighton Mainline closure on Sunday, February 24.

Related stories: Sussex to London railway line to close for nine days over February half termBut ​National Express has announced it will put on extra coach services from London to Brighton for runners and spectators on the day.

National Express is set to put on more coaches from London for the Brighton Half MarathonNational Express is set to put on more coaches from London for the Brighton Half Marathon
National Express is set to put on more coaches from London for the Brighton Half Marathon
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It will also donate £3 from every online booking to race organisers and HIV charity The Sussex Beacon.

The extra service will leave London’s Victoria Coach Station at 6am, stopping at Sutton Rail Station before completing the two hour journey at the race village in Brighton.

John Boughton, commercial director at National Express, said: “We are pleased to be able to help get runners and supporters race-ready and to the start line in good time.

“The special early departures have just one stop on route, allowing those travelling from south of the capital to board at Sutton Rail Station where there are good rail connections from the surrounding area as well as plenty of parking options.

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"Our coaches will have special access to some of the roads that are closed for the event to enable us to take passengers straight to the start line. And because not everyone can run like Mo Farah, passengers can book their journey home on any of our regular scheduled services to suit them.”

Martin Harrigan, race director at The Sussex Beacon, said: “We are delighted to have teamed up with National Express to provide a dedicated coach service from London direct to the race village.

“Due to the rail disruption over race weekend we encourage all runners and spectators coming down from central and south London to take advantage of this service."

Organisers said 4,000 people are expected to be travelling from London and south of the capital.

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The Grand Brighton Half Marathon is organised by Brighton charity, The Sussex Beacon, who provide specialist care and support for people living with HIV.

General entry into The Grand Brighton Half Marathon is sold out, however, there is still time to sign up for a charity place before Sunday, February 3.

For more information, visit: www.brightonhalfmarathon.com