The Brighton Half Marathon returns this Sunday – all you need to know – race route, road closures, charity runners

The 32nd Brighton Half Marathon – on Sunday, February 27 – will be started by Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes MBE, who will also take part in the race.

And, it is a special year for the race organisers, the Brighton-based Sussex Beacon charity, which provides specialist support and care for people living with HIV. The charity celebrates its 30th year in 2022, and the fundraising arm of the charity – Team Beacon – hopes to smash its fundraising record in the event.

A Brighton Half Marathon spokesman said: “Sussex Beacon helps hundreds of people living with HIV in Sussex and the race is the charity’s largest annual event. Other charity partners include local charities Chestnut Tree House and national charities Macmillan and Alzheimer’s Society.”

Runners can also team up with their choice of charity like Josh Powling has. Read his story here: Partner's plight inspires our Sussex political editor to get his running shoes on for Brighton Half Marathon

This Sunday's race starts at 9am at Madeira Drive before winding its way around some of Brighton’s most iconic sites including the Palace Pier, The Grand Brighton, The Royal Pavilion, The West Pier, Brighton Marina, and the colourful Hove Beach Huts.

A half marathon spokesman said: “After last year’s enforced changes to the date and format due to Covid-19, the race team is delighted the event is returning to its usual place at the start of the running calendar and with a full race field.”

Last year's half marathon was moved to October but was still a huge success.

Look back on the 2021 event here: 31 of the best photos from the 31st Brighton Half Marathon

Dame Kelly Holmes

Organisers are also delighted that the 13.1-mile race will be started by Dame Kelly Holmes MBE. Dame Kelly has won medals at Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic level, culminating in two gold medals at the Athens Olympics in 2004 for the 800m and 1500m.

Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (military) said: “I am really looking forward to starting the Brighton Half Marathon this year. Seeing mass participation events back to their best is fantastic! It has motivated me to get back training and run it too.

“So my plan is to start the race off, jump down and get involved. I will not be racing – just enjoying the atmosphere.”

The Brighton Half will see thousands of runners – both beginners to the distance and seasoned half marathoners – taking to the streets of Brighton & Hove.

Some will have really personal stories behind their reason to run, like young widower Liam Alexander from Ovingdean, Brighton. Read his story here: Husband of 25-year-old who died after brain tumour battle will run the Brighton Half Marathon with friends in his wife's memory

The 13.1 mile city race route

The Brighton Half Marathon route on February 27 is as follows:

Miles 1 - 3

Starting on Madeira Drive, you’ll turn right at the SeaLife Centre, towards Ovingdean, passing regal Royal and Lewes Crescent architecture on your left.

Continuing on Marine Drive and the bracing cliff tops, the race will head towards Roedean School, where a sharp turn on the road before Roedean Road will bring you back west towards Brighton, enjoying wonderful cliff top and panoramic city views.

Miles 3 - 7

Picking up the pace as you run past the iconic blue railings on Marine Parade, spot Brighton Palace Pier on your left.

At Aquarium Roundabout the race heads north, past the grandeur of the Royal Pavilion towards the majesty of St Peter’s Church.