Race guide
Brighton Marathon Guide
The Brighton Marathon is a popular, mostly flat seaside road marathon held in April. The course runs along the south coast with a famously exposed and quiet out-and-back near a power station late in the race. Spring weather is usually favourable, but the lonely, windy late stretch is where the race is decided — pace for it.
- Location
- Brighton, England
- Distance
- Marathon (42.2 km / 26.2 mi)
Typical conditions
Held in April. Cool to mild (8–15°C) and sometimes windy along the seafront. Good racing weather in most years.
Course & elevation
- Mostly flat along the seafront, with a few gentle rises early in the city.
- A long, exposed out-and-back toward a power station in the late stages — quiet and often windy.
- A flat seafront finish that rewards anyone who survived the exposed section.
Pacing strategy
- Save energy for the exposed late out-and-back; it is mentally and physically the hardest part.
- Run even splits early on the flat seafront rather than chasing the crowd.
- Expect wind on the coast and shelter in groups where you can.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Brighton Marathon flat?
It is mostly flat along the seafront with a few gentle early rises. The challenge is exposure and wind rather than gradient.
What is the hardest part of the Brighton Marathon?
The long, exposed, quiet out-and-back near the power station late in the race, where wind and isolation take a toll.
When is the Brighton Marathon?
April, usually cool to mild and sometimes windy on the coast.
Plan your race day with Pacexis
Pacexis's race-day co-pilot pulls weather, course, gear, and pacing into one briefing the night before.
Explore Pacexis