Brighton Half Marathon 2020 - routes, times, road closures, key locations and all you need to know

What is it?

A precursor to the Brighton Marathon in April, The Brighton Half Marathon is an annual 13.1-mile route that passes along the seafront and by some of Brighton’s famous landmarks, like the Palace Pier and the Royal Pavilion.

Now in its 30th year, the event sees athletes and other runners take on the challenge, often raising money for charity along the way.

Since the very first race, the half marathon has been an important source of income for charities, including The Sussex Beacon, which organises the race.

When does it take place?

Race day falls on Sunday, February 23 this year. The Race Village and Help Tent open at 7.30am and runners can leave baggage from 7.45am.

At 9am, half marathon runners will gather in the start pens. The youth races begin at 9am and the Wheelchair Race starts at 9.27am. The half marathon starts at 9.30am.

What is the route for the half marathon?

Runners start and finish the route at Madeira Drive, on the seafront. Miles one to three are run towards Ovingdean and then westwards, back towards Brighton.

The route continues along Marine Parade before turning at the Aquarium Roundabout towards the Royal pavilion.

Runners will loop around The Level and back towards the Old Steine before reaching The Grand Hotel (the event’s main sponsor) in mile 7.

Miles seven to 13 will be in Hove, beyond the two piers. Runners continue to Hove Lagoon before turning onto the seafront and will rejoin the road at the Peace Statue for the final dash and cheering crowds.

For a map and full description of the course, see this link.

How do I get there?

Madeira Drive is easily accessible by bus and train with a nearby coach station at Pool Valley.

No parking is available on Madeira Drive but a park and ride service will operate from Mill Road, Brighton, BN1 8ZD. Park and ride opens at 7am and the last bus will be at 3pm.

NCP car parks can be found in the city centre but could be busy so race organisers advise early arrival.

Where can I watch the runners?

The route starts and ends at Madeira Drive.

Organisers recommend gathering at the following points to watch and cheer on runners:

Marine parade in the early and latter miles of the race

Hove seafront, Kings Road in miles eight to nine

Hove Lawns, see runners on the Promenade for miles 11 to 12

West at Hove Lagoon: The final leg of the race

Race Village and Aquarium Roundabout may be crowded spectator areas

Elite prize presentations will take place at 11.30am and at 11.15am for wheelchair racers.

Will there be any road closures?

Most road closures will be in force from 8.15am.

Madeira Drive will be closed between 2am and 7pm on race day.

From 8.15am to midday, the following roads will be closed: Old Steine, Marlborough Place, Gloucester Place, Grand Parade, Pavilion Parade, Richmond Terrace, St Peter’s Place.

From 8.15am- 11.45am Marne Parade and Marine Drive will be closed

Westbound and Eastbound lanes at Kings Road to West Street will be closed from 8.15am- 1.30pm.

Kings road, Kingsway (Westbound only), and Grand Avenue will be closed from 9.15am- 1pm.

More information can be found at the Brighton Half Marathon website.

Can I still enter?

Entries have now closed and the deadline for charity entries was Sunday, February 2, but you can still cheer on the competitors. Volunteers are needed to help on the day and can sign up here

Is there any training advice?

Advice on warming up and preventing and treating injuries can be found on the half marathon website.

A 16-week training plan can also be found on the website here.

Organisers recommend that participants ‘taper’ their training, reducing the intensity in the weeks leading up to the marathon.