Jason Kitcat: Brighton Marathon

Brighton Marathon

Hundreds of thousands of trainers will be pumping the city’s streets this weekend as the 2015 Brighton Marathon gets off its starting blocks. Runners, volunteers, cheerleaders and onlookers, many linked to over 400 different charitable causes, will combine in this annual fundraising fiesta. It’s a hugely impressive spectacle based on the beautifully simple idea of getting from A to B on foot as fast as you dare. It manages to combine extreme personal challenge and ambition with immense community benefit, last year raising over £6million for charities, and all with a great party atmosphere. For those that just can’t or don’t want to do the distance there’s the 10km option and Saturday Mini-Mile runs for the youngsters, so it’s inclusive too.

I’ve never actually run a marathon but I know from witnessing friends and colleagues that the preparation, often through dark winter months, can be gruelling and painful. 26 miles of highs, lows, self-doubt and brutal determination, it must feel like a metaphor for much that one takes on in life. Amazingly most make it to the finish line whether in agony, ecstasy or both.

We are lucky, as a city, to host over 350 major public events each year. It’s what we do best, is a vital part of our economy and presumably is one of many reasons why Brightonians score highest among UK cities for pride in where we live. The Brighton Marathon sets the season off to a great start and with a tone that will hopefully echo through the rest of the year’s events. If you’re taking part this weekend best of luck and thanks for making it happen.
Brighton Marathon is on Sunday 12th April from Preston Park & Withdean Stadium Mini-mile races on Sat 11th April. For route and other details co to: www.brightonmarathon.co.uk