The Altra Brighton Half Marathon has revealed that comedian and actor Joe Wilkinson will be the official race starter of the main race. This year’s event will be held on the first weekend in March from its new home on Hove Lawns, with the Youth Races taking place on Saturday, 1 March and the half marathon, wheelchair race and Sussex Beacon Charity Relay taking place on Sunday, 2 March.
Joe Wilkinson said: “I’m really looking forward to starting this year’s Brighton Half Marathon and then being beaten by about 99% of those runners. The Sussex Beacon is a wonderful charity and it’s an honour to support them in any way I can.”
The race is organised by E3 Sports Events, the official event partner of The Sussex Beacon who remain the main beneficiary of the event. Every year the Altra Brighton Half Marathon raises over £1 million for a number of charities across Sussex and the UK as well as being the single biggest annual fundraiser for The Sussex Beacon.
Altra is also revealed as the new headline sponsor signing a three-year deal to support the race. Altra Running was founded in the US with the purpose of unleashing human potential by inspiring the world to move naturally: with their unique FootShape Toe Box and Zero to Low Drop, Altra’s shoes are designed to provide you with a comfortable running experience.
During race weekend Altra will have several activations planned and will also have a retail space in the race village alongside Brighton’s The Jog Shop.
The Altra team said: “This exciting collaboration brings together our shared passion for running and community, and we can’t wait to support and inspire all the amazing participants in this iconic event. We are committed to contributing to the success of the Brighton Half Marathon by providing innovative and comfortable products and fostering a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere for all runners. We’ll also be bringing an array of local and UK talent to join us on race day.”
The team at Brighton Half said: “It’s incredibly exciting to announce that Altra will be our new headline sponsor for the next three years. With an amazing back story and a genuine passion for the outdoors Altra embodies the sense of community running that Brighton Half Marathon is all about. It is an exciting partnership which will help us in our mission to ensure the Brighton Half is always moving forward!”
Over race weekend thousands of runners are expected to flock to Brighton and Hove to enjoy the fast, flat 13.1mile seafront course. Participants will be joined by well-known faces including DS Chris Oliver from Channel 4’s SAS Who Dares Wins; actor Craig Parkinson and broadcaster and presenter Bobby Seagull who are all running for The Sussex Beacon in support of their Formula Milk Programme, plus content creator and Love Island star Zachariah Noble and of course Joe Wilkinson.
Although general places are sold out, charity places are still available until Sunday, 9 February, plus 7-17 year olds can sign up for the Youth Races all via the Brighton Half Marathon website. Every year the race welcomes the support of more than 450 volunteers who give up their time to help with course marshalling, drink stations, baggage facilities and handing out medals and goody bags. To become a volunteer, click here.
Visit the Altra Brighton Half Marathon website for more information, to sign up to race or volunteer, or follow the race on Facebook, Instagram and X for all the latest news #BrightonHalfMarathon.
