Brighton Marathon Course

This is a marathon that rewards control and consistent pacing over the early miles, with the four main climbs out of the way by Mile 11. 

• Route climbs at Miles 1, 7, 9 and 11
• Surface is tarmac roads with a 200-metre section of block paving at Mile 4.5
• Disability Support Hub at Mile 15 

If you have a bladder or bowel condition, register for a Just Can’t Wait Toilet Card. It’s issued by the Bladder and Bowel Community and explains that you need urgent access. There are bladder pads at the Information Points and Drinks Stations.

There are tampons and pads at the Information Points and Drinks Stations.

There is HIGH5 Zero in cups at Miles 7, 15, 21 and 23 and HIGH5 Energy Gel Aqua at Miles 15 and 21.

All drinks stations are wheelchair-accessible, and volunteers will be available to hand you your drink.

If you’re bringing a bottle belt or hydration pack, you’ll also find water refill points at Miles 4, 7.5, 12, 16.5 and 20.

Miles 1 to 6 – city centre warm-up 

• After a flat start in Preston Park, you’ll head up Preston Park Avenue, gaining 20 metres over a 700-metre stretch, before dropping down Preston Drove
• Miles 2 to 5 are broadly flat as you run north along London Road before turning back towards the city
• You’ll pass Theatre Royal and the Royal Pavillion, then circle The Level (a large park) and reach St James’s Street where there’s a 12-metre climb 

Miles 7 to 13 – clifftop calm and coastal views 

• Lower Rock Gardens brings you onto Marine Parade – this is a flat, elevated stretch before a gentle rise onto Marine Drive as you head towards the cliffs
• The sea views will be stunning and this rolling section between Miles 9 and 10 offers the chance to settle into your marathon
• A steady 14-metre climb leads into the Ovingdean U-turn and the reward is an unforgettable view west along the cliffs towards the city
• The rolling return leg takes you past the halfway point, above Brighton Marina, with a steady descent onto Marine Drive 

Miles 14 to 19 – Cheer Zones and city sightseeing 

• Be prepared for a wave of noise as you reach Aquarium Junction, with the streets packed full of spectators cheering you on
• You’ll join Madeira Drive at Mile 15, passing through the Charity Cheer Avenue and the Brooks Cheer Zone – expect high energy and loud music 
• A flat out-and-back section runs along the 143-year-old Volk’s Electric Railway as you make your return to Aquarium Junction for some city sightseeing – the highlights being Brighton Pier, the i360, Grand Hotel and the Peace Statue 

Miles 20 to 23 – community boost through Hove 

• This stretch is where it might get tough, but Hove’s communities will be roaring you on along Grand Avenue and Church Road; offering sweets and power-up signs and enjoying their BBQs (weather permitting!)  

Miles 23 to 26 – the final push 

• You’re nearly there! The course takes you onto Kingsway and then onto Hove Promenade, passing the striking colourful beach huts at Mile 25
• The noise will be deafening at this stage as your supporters and Brighton locals give you the energy for that last push
• The final stretch takes you past Hove Plinth and towards Hove Lawns, where you’ll cross the legendary Brighton Marathon Finish Line 

You’ll spot them in your start wave. They will have a flag on their back that shows their finish time.

For example, this may mean that someone needs some additional time to communicate with you, or that someone may need urgent access to the toilet. 

Please use our quiet space, family space (for breastfeeding/pumping and a playpen for young children), or multi-faith prayer space in the Start and Finish Areas.

There is a bike park on site available on a first-come, first-served basis.