A guide to the 2026 Brighton Marathon

The route goes past the Royal Pavilion [Brighton Marathon] Thousands of runners are expected to take part in the 2026 Brighton Marathon on 12 April. The first event in the city took place in 2010, with just over 7,500 competitors, but more than 20,000 participants are expected to start the 26. 2-mile (41.

1km) race this year. It is organised by London Marathon Events (LME) and starts in Preston Park across various wave times from 09:45 BST. We answer some of the key questions surrounding the event: What is the route of the Brighton Marathon?

The Brighton Marathon begins at Preston Park and finishes on Madeira Drive [Brighton Marathon/Strava] The Brighton Marathon begins at Preston Park and goes through the city centre, past the Royal Pavilion, out to Ovingdean, back along the coast to Hove, and then finishing on Madeira Drive. The route has a total elevation of 477 feet (145m), compared with 266 ft (81m) at the London Marathon. There is an official tracking app, so people can follow how friends, family and celebrities are getting on and plan where to spot them.

There are three accessible viewing points and three cheer zones on the course. How do I get to the start of the marathon? People are being told to walk from Brighton station to the start point [Getty Images] The main race starts from Preston Park at 09:45 BST, with competitors setting off in waves based on how quickly they think they will finish.