|
Close to 8,000 runners turned out to run The Grand Brighton Half Marathon this morning, enjoying beautiful sunny weather to run 13.1 miles around the city under incredible crystal-clear blue skies.
The klaxon was sounded at 9:30am, to start the runners on their journey around the city’s sights, which includes the stunning seafront cliff tops of east Brighton, The Royal Pavilion, The Grand Brighton hotel, the British Airways i360, the colourful beach huts of Hove seafront and the iconic Brighton Palace Pier.
Now in its 29th year, the much-loved race was once again sponsored by The Grand Brighton. Thousands of spectators lined the route to cheer on the runners, and crowds were entertained with music from The Sundaes, playing live from The Grand’s second floor balcony and dancers on the green.
In the main race, the field featured hundreds of runners new to the half marathon distance, plus experienced half marathoners and runners training for a full Spring marathon. The men’s elite race featured a podium of Pauls – Paul Navesey took first place, setting a new course record in a time of 64 minutes and 56 seconds; followed by last year’s winner and Irish Olympian Paul Pollock, in 66 minutes and 35 seconds; third place went to four times race winner Paul Martelletti in 67 minutes and 6 seconds.
The women’s race was incredibly tight, with Fiona de Mauny storming home in 80 minutes and 26 seconds, narrowly beating Emily Proto, who finished in 80 minutes and 46 seconds. Third place went to Rose Penfold, in a time of 81 minutes and 20 seconds. The Sussex Beacon Wheelchair Race also returned, with six entrants from around the UK racing. Paralympian Tiaan Bosch smashed the course record with an incredible time of 53 minutes and 27 seconds. Jazz Turner, was the first female finisher, in 1 hour, 50 mins and 21 seconds.
The Youth Race found a new home this year on Hove Lawns, and was started by Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion. Over 300 children between the ages of 7-17 completed the one-mile course.
Alongside the elite field, thousands of charity runners took to the streets of the city, raising vital funds for over 35 charities, including local charities The Sussex Beacon, RISE and Chestnut Tree House, and national charities including Alzheimer’s Society and Macmillan.
The race is organised by The Sussex Beacon, a Brighton-based charity which provides a range of services for men, women and families living with or affected by HIV across Sussex.
|
