Brighton Half Marathon raised record sum

A record number of runners took part in the Brighton Half Marathon this year and they raised a record amount for charity, the organisers said today (Thursday 12 April).

A total of 7,427 runners crossed the finish line in Madeira Drive on Sunday 19 February and raised more than £250,000, including £20,000 for the Sussex Beacon Appeal. And a record 353 children completed the one-mile youth races on the seafront.

The Sussex Beacon is the half marathon’s official charity. The event also supports Rise, the domestic abuse charity based in Brighton, WaterAid and another Brighton-based charity, Pass It On Africa.

Beacon chief executive Kat Williams said: “I am very proud that the Brighton Half Marathon keeps growing and is now a major event in the fundraising calendar not just for the Sussex Beacon but for lots of other charities too.

“Over £20,000 has been raised for the Sussex Beacon Appeal this year which will contribute to keeping our medical inpatient unit open.”

She thanked sponsors, partners, supporters, volunteers and everyone who took part and contributed to the success of the race.

The half marathon is organised by and is the main fundraiser for the Brighton-based Beacon, one of only two care centres of its kind in England looking after people living with HIV.

The race was in its 22nd year this year and was slightly longer than usual. A mistake was made when placing barriers in Roedean which meant that runners completed 13.42 miles in total instead of 13.1 miles.

Organisers said that the route would be the right length next year when the race is due to take place on Sunday 17 February.