Brighton has been transformed into a festival of running today (Sunday 6 April) as thousands of people take part in the Brighton Marathon and Brighton and Hove 10K.
Below are quotes from participants taking part in today's events. This page will be updated throughout the day.
Ross Skelton, men's 10K winner (31:25):
Ross dedicated the victory to his close friend, Robbie Fitzgibbon, who died in October 2024.
Robbie's dad, Robin, is running the 2025 Brighton Marathon in his son's place.
Ross said: "This run was for Robbie Fitzgibbon. Robbie was a very close friend of mine, who I used to train with, with Jon Bigg at Brighton Phoenix. So today was for Robbie, rest in peace."
On his win, Ross said: "It was really great to get racing again, great weather, I think the first 5K there was a bit of a headwind. It was a bit of a tactical one today.
"The crowds were unreal. It just makes the difference. When you're at about 7K and you've got the great crowd, it really does take you to another gear."
Amy Harris, women's 10K winner (37:35):
"It was much better than I expected, it is a really good atmosphere out there and really good support, which makes it ten times easier.
"It is pretty special, I have not won a race for quite a few years as I have had a few years of injuries and recovering from an eating disorder. Now I feel back on track and in a really happy place with a strong body. It's nice that I can run similar paces to what I used to run.
"My heart lies with the marathon and I haven't raced one for three years now, so next year I'd like to do one and get faster over shorter distances to put myself in a good position for the marathon. I would love to do Brighton, it was my first-ever marathon back in 2021. I think it is one of the best-supported marathons out there."
Alban Rexha, Official Starter of the 10K and a member of Sanctuary Runners:
"I've been living here for two years and it wasn't so good for the first bit, but then I started running and I am very happy. Brighton has a good community, the running and the table tennis club."
Steven Brett, who danced his way through the 10K wearing a gold Lycra suit to help raise more than £1,000 for the food charity FareShare Sussex & Surrey.
"I had a career as a dancer and I had a lot of knee operations. So the idea of running the 10K was something that would just cause me pain, even in thought. So I decided I would do what I know best; I said to my sponsors if I get to £500 I would dance the whole way, if I got to £1,000 I would dance the whole way in a gold unitard. I did have to wear shorts because my kids were embarrassed.
"I've been working with FareShare as a volunteer for about four years and I just think the gap between food waste and poverty is something that just shouldn't exist. The charity is a way of creating community around food, around sharing it with people who might not otherwise have it, and that's really important in this day and age."
Chris Thompson, Olympic distance runner and Children with Cancer UK ambassador, was the Official Starter of the Brighton Marathon:
"The buzz at the Start Line was fantastic. To be able to start my first-ever marathon and be part of that starting of everyone's journey was just awesome and to watch the excitement and exhaustion as people finish and say well done and pat them on the back.
"It is just a great day when a city shuts down to support lots of good causes and lots of people of trying to fulfil their ambition of whatever gets them around a marathon. Whether it is looking for PBs, just the accomplishment or raising money or awareness.
"Marathon weekends are special. People want to be part of it, spectators have a big role to play; keeping that buzz going for every starter and finisher.
"And we got stunning weather for it!"
Sam Cook, Brighton Marathon men's winner:
"It was hard, especially going into the wind and trying to keep with a few guys at the start and it was undulating so there is always a bit of back and forth.
"It was massive [to win today], I think the first time I did this was 10 or 11 years ago; I DNF'd [did not finish], came back a couple of years later and did 3:46 so just been pushing on since then and it is nice to win it. It was unexpected.
"I wanted to go for around 2:26 or 2:27 but finish-wise, you never know as you don't know who turns up on the day. There are some quick people out there, so it is unexpected [to have won].
"The crowds were unreal. It is always incredible by the pier - immense, there wasn't really a dead spot at all.
"It's massive when people are shouting your name out. I am running London in three weeks, so no rest! We will see how recovery goes but it would be nice to go for about 2:30. My brother [James] is aiming for that so I will try and stick with him, I am sure he'll smash it. He did the 10K today and finished second. He is smashing it!"
Thomas Blunt, Brighton Marathon men's second place:
"It was tough. For spectating it is probably great conditions but it is a bit windy and pretty hot out there, it was a tough one really.
"This the fourth time I have run it, every time I have got a bit quicker. The crowds were amazing, even if they didn't know you, they had looked up your name on the tracker and were shouting all the way through."
Hugh Porter, Brighton Marathon men's third place:
"I am buzzing! Did better than I thought I would. I was worried I was going out a bit too fast but I felt good so thought I'd keep on rolling with it.
"My advice for new runners would be to stick at it; your first marathon go out and enjoy it and concentrate on getting across the line then keep at it and you'll keep improving."
Helen Reid, Brighton Marathon women's winner:
"It was amazing, I am just so happy to have been able to run again, I was first women in 2023 as well so it felt amazing to reclaim that title!
"The support is just so amazing, such a beautiful day for it so I feel very lucky.
"I was scared I had started off a bit too fast but the crowds really helped to carry me through the tough bits.
"I just think Brighton is such a special city. Everyone clearly loves the run and comes out to support. It is so special to see so many families out there. I loved all the support from the women, saying things like 'Girl power!'.
"I've been doing marathons since 2015 and it just gets better every time. It is just a beautiful sport. I am so glad to see so many people take it up."
Flaminia Gold, Brighton Marathon women's second place:
"It was pretty good, amazing conditions and crowds. I just had a really lovely time. I have always dreamed of a podium, I came ninth last year, that was my goal for this year. I got a PB and a podium.
"The crowds are insane. When you're a woman near the front people are screaming, 'Girl power' and 'Do it for the women'. You feel like a celebrity, it is pretty special!
"I've got London in three weeks and am hoping for a sub-three finish.
"I am now going to find some Aperol!"
Emily Marchant, Brighton Marathon women's third place, capped off a memorable hen weekend. The bride to be, 34, travelled from Swansea.
"It was amazing, I am so chuffed. I am on my hen weekend and wanted to do something iconic and memorable. I wasn't expecting a podium finish so it has just made the weekend even more special.
"I got a text at halfway from my supporters saying I was making my way up the field so I just thought, 'Go for it'. I chased a few girls down and I'm just so happy to be on the podium.
"We got here yesterday, had a sports day and we've got a lovely balcony so had a few drinks there and then went out last night, so I was feeling questionable this morning! And we are staying tonight so are probably going to celebrate this evening.
"I was going to be sensible but I got excited and had fun, got in late and here we are. The support was incredible, so many kids I was high-fiving.
"We've got a Sunday lunch and then karaoke tonight. I am getting married on 2 May. We are doing a festival wedding in Gower. Giant tepees, street food, just a big party with all our friends and family."
Jas Presho, is fundraising for Great Ormond Street Hospital and has raised more than £600.
"It was hard, it was my first marathon and I didn't expect it to be that hard, but it was good. At least there were nice views. GOSH is the charity that means the most to me. I have done a few half marathons and enjoyed them so I thought I would give it a go."
Gabor Takacs, from Hungary, finished the marathon and then proposed to his partner.
"We've been together for 25 years and I wanted to ask her for the next 25 years. She didn't expect I would ask her on the Finish Line. I hope it was a surprise for her! Now it's time for champagne."
Ellis Woolley, ran the marathon dressed as a hot dog to raise money for Alzheimer's Society:
"It was brutal, it was very hot. I ran it last year and wanted to run it this year for my gran, who is suffering with dementia. I've raised just over £850.
"I was really enjoying all of the support for the hot dog costume. My wife has a can of beer for me, that is what I need right now."
Lara Serafin, from London, raised £250 for Samaritans by completing the Brighton Marathon.
She said: “Samaritans do really great work, it’s so important to have them there. I’m happy to be supporting them.”
Laura encouraged everyone to give marathon running a go. She added: “I started running during lockdown. I used to go on 10-minute runs with my boyfriend and swear at him all the way through. So, if I can do a marathon, anyone can!”
Gina Little, who celebrates her 80th birthday next week, completed her fifth Brighton Marathon today and is this year's oldest finisher:
"The weather is just spectacular, it has been absolutely amazing. There were lots of people out there cheering everybody on. Not a bad race!
"I am running the London Marathon in a few weeks. It is going to be my 40th London, I am the lady who has done the most London Marathons.
Gina, who in 2022 became the oldest person to complete the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, added: "I love seeing the world, even this country - England, Scotland Wales - and I have been to places I would've never have gone to if I hadn't been running."
Kevin Webber, aged 49, is fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK:
"I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and given two years to live, that was 10-and-a-half years ago.
"I ran the Brighton Marathon on week 13 of chemo, London Marathon on week 15 of chemo and here I am still terminal and running the Brighton Marathon again and the London Marathon in three weeks' time.
"It means so much to me. I have run 18,000 miles since I was diagnosed, I've raised £1 million for Prostate Cancer UK. Today has been awesome, so many amazing runners for so many amazing charities. Lots of smiles, lots of grit and determination. That is what marathon running is about, that is what life is about. It is not always a great life, it is not always going to be a smile every second. But it is about not giving up, not sitting down, keep on going and make a difference."
Drag queen Snow White Trash ran the Brighton Marathon to raise money for the Sussex Beacon, which provides specialist care and support for people living with HIV:
"It is my first-ever marathon and I signed up to run when Miss Jason [drag queen Jason Sutton] sadly passed away. I crossed the Finish Line in heels, I didn't run in heels but I did it! It was amazing, the end was tough but I smashed the time I wanted. I am over the moon!"