The route takes in Brighton’s iconic seafront and landmarks. There will be a festival atmosphere right across town with bands and food stalls. Kicking off the fun will be a penny farthing parade before the main event starts at 9.30.
Route highlights:
The start – and finish will be at BRIGHTON PALACE PIER which encompasses what the city of Brighton is all about.
Sitting in the heart of Brighton and Hove’s eight miles of coast, this 1,722ft long Victorian pier is loved by both locals and visitors alike. Who can not like fish and chips, the attractions and penny arcades.
A destination in its own right this mini themepark with adrenaline-inducing rides and loads of activities set amongst the filigree ironwork is a great day out.
THE ROYAL PAVILION – at Mile 5 is another much-loved Brighton landmark. This exotic palace in the centre of the city has a colourful, rich history.
King George IV commissioned it as his own ‘pleasure palace’.
The a clash of styles; Victorian grandeur with a touch of India and China make it an arresting sight in the more traditional Brighton. It also served as a hospital in WW1.
The Prince had been advised that ‘total body immersion into sea water’ was good for his health. Architect John Nash lent his expertise in the resdesign of the Indian style of the building. Many of Brighton’s seafront squares and elegant cresents are attributable to George IV and the Regency era.
QUEEN VICTORIA STATUE – AT Mile 8 has the inscription: “Erected by the Inhabitants of Hove to Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Accession of Queen Victoria June 20 AD 1897”. It’s a full lifesize statue of Queen Victoria by Thomas Brock on the Grand Avenue Hove.
WEST PIER – at Mile 11.5 is still much loved by the locals despite it being all but destroyed by arson in 2003.
It was the first pier to be Grade 1 listed in Britain and was built during a ‘pier boom time’. Its big draw was the concert hall added in 1916 but by WW2, it’s popularity waned and by 1975, the pier was closed. It gradually collapsed in 2002 and two fires the following year, left it in a state of beyond repair.
These days, it’s a ghostly shadow of its former self – its skelatal remains still attracting nostalgic fans today.
HOVE LAWNS at Mile 9.
How is the much loved ‘outer suburb’ of Brighton. Hove Lawns – which the runners will run along, stretches right along to Hove Lagoon, near Portslade.
It’s a relaxing place for a seaside stroll and the green lawns are perfet for an impromtu picnic or a hit of tennis on one of the many courts.
Information: brightonhalfmarathon.com
Ibis Brighton offers rooms from £76 ibis.com
