Thousands Set for 2026 Brighton Half Marathon with Major Road Closures Across City

Thousands of runners will take to the streets for the 2026 Brighton Half Marathon on Sunday, 1 March, with the popular seaside race once again raising vital funds for charity. The 13.1-mile event begins at 9:30am from Hove Lawns, with the wheelchair race starting at 9:28am. Around 10,000 runners of all abilities are expected to […]

Thousands of runners will take to the streets for the 2026 Brighton Half Marathon on Sunday, 1 March, with the popular seaside race once again raising vital funds for charity.

The 13.1-mile event begins at 9:30am from Hove Lawns, with the wheelchair race starting at 9:28am. Around 10,000 runners of all abilities are expected to take part, making it one of the largest half marathons in the UK.

The race is organised by local HIV charity The Sussex Beacon and is its biggest annual fundraiser. Each year, the event raises more than £1 million for charities across Sussex and beyond, with many runners supporting causes close to their hearts.

The scenic route takes participants along the Brighton and Hove seafront, passing landmarks including Brighton Palace Pier and the Royal Pavilion. The largely flat course is known for being fast and ideal for runners aiming for personal best times.

The race will be officially started by singer and actor Olly Alexander.

Road Closures

To ensure the safety of runners and spectators, significant road closures will be in place throughout Sunday morning and into the afternoon:

• 3:00am – 2:00pm: Kings Road (Grand Avenue to West Street) – closed in both directions.
• 6:30am – 2:00pm: Kingsway (Wharf Road to Grand Avenue) – westbound closed.
• 7:00am – 2:00pm: Kings Road around Palace Pier and Madeira Drive (West Street to Lower Rock Gardens and St James Street).
• 8:00am – 12:15pm: Marlborough Place, Grand Parade, Pavilion Parade and Richmond Terrace (St James Street to Union Road).
• 8:00am – 12:30pm: Marine Parade and Marine Drive (Lower Rock Gardens to Roedean Way).

Stewards will be positioned along the route and diversion signage will be in place, but motorists are advised to plan ahead as surrounding roads may also experience disruption.

The Brighton Half Marathon remains one of the city’s standout sporting events, combining elite competition, community participation and major fundraising for good causes.