Quick Answer- The Brighton Marathon Weekend takes place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April 2026. Up to 20,000 participants are expected across four events: the Brighton Miles, the Brighton & Hove 10K, the Brighton Trail Marathon, and the main 26.2-mile marathon. The marathon starts at Preston Park and finishes on Hove Lawns.
Brighton Journal Loca
This is one of those weekends where the whole city shifts gear. Whether you’re running, cheering from the seafront, or simply trying to get across town, the marathon shapes Brighton’s Saturday and Sunday in a way almost nothing else does. Expect road closures, packed cafés, and an atmosphere that reminds you why people love living here. 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest edition yet. Record numbers of runners have signed up across four events: the Brighton Marathon, Brighton Trail Marathon, Brighton & Hove 10K, and Brighton Miles, with up to 20,000 participants expected over the two days.
The centrepiece is Sunday’s full marathon, now in its 16th year. Starting at Preston Park, the route heads into Withdean before turning back down London Road toward the city. After passing the Pavilion, it winds up into Kemptown and follows the coast out toward Ovingdean, before turning back along the promenade to a finish at Hove Lawns. For runners chasing a personal best, the relatively flat course makes Brighton one of the better options on the UK calendar — and the crowd support is among the loudest you’ll find outside London.
One of the most talked-about additions this year is the new Pride Promenade, positioned along Kings Road just before the 18-mile mark. A dedicated stretch celebrating Brighton’s LGBTQIA+ community, it’s designed to give runners a boost during the harder latter stages while creating a vibrant focal point for spectators — and it feels very Brighton.
The festival atmosphere runs throughout. Community Cheer Zones at Madeira Drive and Kingsway will feature all-day DJ sets from Queer Run Club, while a new Green Village focused on sustainability opens across both days. Sussex rugby star Jess Breach, who won the Rugby World Cup with England in 2025, will start the runners on their way. Meanwhile, Nuala Smyth — who has run every Brighton Marathon — completes her 228th career marathon on Sunday.
For those not tackling 26.2 miles, the Brighton & Hove 10K offers a competitive alternative, and the Brighton Miles — this year featuring a Superhero wave — welcomes all ages. If you’re heading out to cheer, Preston Park is restricted to participants on Sunday; the best spots are the Community Cheer Zones along the seafront and the finish line area at Hove Lawns, covered in our [Brighton Seafront Guide]. Road closures will affect much of the city centre — check our [Brighton Events and What’s On guide] for the full picture. And if the weekend inspires you to lace up yourself, our [guide to Brighton’s best running routes] is a good place to start.
