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Brighton Half Marathon 2027: Race Guide, Course And How To Enter
The Brighton Half Marathon brings thousands of runners to the Sussex coast each February for one of the UK's longest established half marathon events. Combining historic city landmarks with an extensive coastal route, the 13.1 mile race offers an opportunity to experience Brighton and Hove as part of a major sporting occasion.
With its predominantly flat course, enthusiastic spectators and strong charitable connections, the event attracts experienced competitors, club runners and those completing their first half marathon. Its position early in the running calendar also makes it a popular choice for participants preparing for spring marathons.
The Destination
Brighton is one of England's best known seaside destinations, located on the East Sussex coast approximately 50 miles south of London. The city is famous for its distinctive architecture, independent shops, cultural attractions and extensive beachfront, making it a popular destination for weekend visitors throughout the year.
Among Brighton's most recognisable landmarks are the Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence with striking Indian inspired architecture, and Brighton Palace Pier, which stretches into the English Channel. The seafront combines traditional seaside attractions with cafés, restaurants, entertainment venues and historic buildings reflecting the city's development as a fashionable coastal resort.
The Lanes, a network of narrow streets in the historic centre, is particularly well known for its independent shops and jewellery businesses. Nearby North Laine has a different character, with vintage clothing stores, colourful street art, independent cafés and a thriving creative community.
West of the city centre, Hove offers elegant residential streets, open lawns beside the sea and its famous colourful beach huts. Visitors looking to explore beyond Brighton can also reach the South Downs National Park, where rolling chalk hills and countryside trails provide a contrast to the busy waterfront.
February is generally one of Brighton's coldest months, with typical daytime temperatures around 7–9°C. Coastal winds and rain can make conditions feel considerably colder, although clear winter days can provide excellent views across the English Channel.
History Of The Brighton Half Marathon
The Brighton Half Marathon began in the early 1990s and has developed into one of the South of England's most established road running events. The 2027 edition marks its 37th year, reflecting its long association with Brighton's sporting and charitable communities.
The race is owned by Sussex Beacon, a Brighton based charity supporting people living with HIV, and organised by Laine8 Events. Proceeds from the original event helped fund the creation of Sussex Beacon, establishing a charitable connection that continues more than three decades later.
Over the years, the Brighton Half Marathon has evolved through changes to its route and race day arrangements while retaining its distinctive coastal character. It now attracts a broad mixture of local running clubs, recreational participants and visiting runners from across the UK.
When Is The Brighton Half Marathon 2027?
The Brighton Half Marathon 2027 takes place on Sunday 28 February 2027, continuing its traditional position in the winter running calendar. The race starts at 9:30am, with participants advised to arrive by 8:30am to allow sufficient time for the starting arrangements.
The event takes place several weeks before many of the UK's major spring marathons, making it a popular early season race. Runners should check the official website closer to the event for final arrival instructions, road closures and any changes to the programme.
Brighton Half Marathon 2027 Race Pack Collection
Race packs for the Brighton Half Marathon are normally posted to participants at least two weeks before the event. These include the race number and timing information, meaning most runners do not need to attend a separate registration event or large race expo.
Participants who have not received their race pack, or who require replacement materials, can visit the event help desk at Hove Lawns, near the Peace Statue. For 2027, collection is available on Saturday 27 February between 3pm and 5pm, or from 7:30am on race morning. Runners should bring proof of entry, and replacement packs are subject to availability.
Race Morning
The Brighton Half Marathon starts and finishes at Hove Lawns, on the seafront west of Brighton's city centre. This open coastal location provides space for the starting arrangements and places runners close to the promenade, beach and surrounding streets of Hove.
The event area includes facilities for participants, with baggage storage, toilets and runner information available near the start. Runners should follow the organiser's instructions for accessing the event village and entering their allocated starting areas.
Brighton railway station is approximately a 30 minute walk from Hove Lawns, depending on the exact access point. Hove railway station provides another option, particularly for runners staying in the western part of the city or travelling along the South Coast.
Road closures affect parts of Brighton and Hove during the event, particularly along the seafront and roads used by the race. Runners arriving by car should check the organiser's transport guidance and allow additional time for their journey.
Brighton Half Marathon Course
The Brighton Half Marathon follows a varied route through Brighton and Hove, combining historic city landmarks with long stretches beside the English Channel. The course includes an eastern section towards Roedean and a western section extending towards Hove Lagoon before returning to the finish.
The following description is based on the organiser's published 2026 route. The final 2027 course map has not yet been confirmed, and individual roads or turning points may change.
Hove Lawns And The Royal Pavilion
The race begins at Hove Lawns, with runners heading east along Kingsway towards Brighton's city centre. The opening section passes through the central streets before reaching the Royal Pavilion, one of Brighton's most recognisable landmarks. The route continues towards St Peter's Church and The Level, a large public park north of the historic centre. After passing around this area, runners return towards Old Steine, bringing them back towards the seafront before the eastern section of the course.
Marine Parade And Roedean
From Old Steine, the course heads east along Marine Parade, the elevated coastal road overlooking Madeira Drive and the beaches below. This section gradually climbs away from central Brighton towards Roedean, providing extensive views across the English Channel.
The eastern turning point lies beyond the busiest central seafront area, where the surroundings become more open and the chalk cliffs of the Sussex coast are prominent. Runners then return west towards Brighton, descending from the elevated coastal road.
Madeira Drive And Brighton Palace Pier
The route continues towards central Brighton and incorporates Madeira Drive, the seafront road beneath the cliffs east of Brighton Palace Pier. This section brings runners closer to the beach, with the pier and surrounding attractions forming a distinctive part of the course. Madeira Drive has a long association with Brighton's major running events and provides an extended coastal stretch before the route heads west. The surrounding area includes traditional seafront architecture, beach attractions and pedestrian promenades.
Kings Road And Hove Lagoon
From central Brighton, runners continue west along the seafront, passing the hotels and Regency buildings overlooking Kings Road. The route extends towards Hove, where the beach, open lawns and colourful beach huts provide a different setting from the historic city centre. Further west, the course reaches Hove Lagoon, a coastal recreational area close to the boundary between Hove and Portslade. This section includes long stretches of relatively level road, with extensive views of the Channel and Brighton's western waterfront.
Hove Promenade Finish
After reaching the western turning point, runners return east towards Hove Lawns for the closing stages of the race. The final two miles follow Hove Promenade, bringing participants alongside the beach and towards the finish area. The finish at Hove Lawns provides a central gathering place for runners and supporters, with the surrounding promenade offering space for spectators to welcome participants completing the distance. Nearby cafés, restaurants and residential streets make it convenient for runners to meet family and friends after finishing.
How Difficult Is The Brighton Half Marathon Course?
The Brighton Half Marathon is generally considered a relatively fast course, although it is not completely flat. The main elevation change comes during the eastern section towards Roedean, while much of the remaining distance follows relatively level roads along the seafront.
The course includes several long straight sections, particularly between central Brighton and Hove Lagoon. These can appeal to runners targeting a personal best, although the exposed coastal location means wind conditions can have a considerable influence on the experience.
February weather is another consideration, with cold temperatures, rain and strong winds all possible. The size of the field can also create congestion around the start and some of the city centre sections, particularly during the opening miles.
What Makes The Brighton Half Marathon Special?
The Brighton Half Marathon has a distinctive atmosphere created by the combination of a major sporting event and the city's established running community. Local clubs, volunteers and spectators contribute to the occasion, with encouragement particularly noticeable around the central seafront and finish area.
The event's long history has made it a familiar annual occasion for Brighton residents, while its location attracts runners travelling from across the country. The involvement of local businesses, community organisations and charities adds to the sense of a city coming together for race day.
Is The Brighton Half Marathon Good For First Time Half Marathon Runners?
The Brighton Half Marathon is an attractive choice for runners attempting their first 13.1 mile event, particularly those who enjoy the atmosphere of large organised races. Its established organisation, relatively accessible terrain and spectator support provide a welcoming setting for participants moving up from shorter distances.
The climb towards Roedean adds some variety to the course, while the exposed coastal sections can present challenges in windy conditions. Runners should also be prepared for the possibility of cold or wet weather.
The event operates a sweeper bus following a three and a half hour schedule. Participants who fall behind this pace may be asked to continue on the pavement as roads reopen, rather than being automatically withdrawn from the event.
How To Enter The Brighton Half Marathon 2027
General entries for the Brighton Half Marathon 2027 are available through the official event website, with places offered through direct registration rather than a ballot. Entries remain subject to availability, and the organiser may close registration when the event reaches capacity.
Participants must be at least 17 years old on race day. The organiser does not normally permit refunds, deferrals or transfers to another runner, and entries are not available on race day.
Charity places provide another option, with participating organisations offering entries to runners who commit to fundraising on their behalf. Availability and fundraising requirements vary between charities, so runners should check the individual organisation's conditions before applying.
Running The Brighton Half Marathon For Charity
Running for charity is central to the Brighton Half Marathon, reflecting its ownership by Sussex Beacon. The event helps support the charity's work with people living with HIV while also providing fundraising opportunities for numerous other organisations.
Sussex Beacon offers places through Team Beacon, with a fundraising target of £200 or more advertised for 2027. Benefits include a running vest, dedicated baggage facilities, private toilets, refreshments, a commemorative medal and opportunities to take part in team activities.
Other participating charities offer different levels of support, including fundraising advice, running shirts, training resources and race day encouragement. For runners considering a charity entry, the supporter experience is worth comparing alongside the fundraising commitment. Organised cheering points, opportunities to meet fellow fundraisers and post race facilities can all contribute to making the occasion more memorable.
Those who already have a general entry can also use their place to raise money for a charity of their choice. This allows participants to support an organisation that matters to them without needing a separate charity allocation.
Where To Stay
Brighton and Hove offer a wide selection of accommodation, ranging from traditional seafront hotels and independent guesthouses to boutique properties and modern apartments. With the race starting and finishing at Hove Lawns, accommodation in western Brighton and central Hove is particularly convenient for participants.
Hotels and guesthouses around Brunswick Square, Palmeira Square and the western end of Kings Road provide good access to the race area. These locations are also close to the beach and within walking distance of many of Brighton and Hove's restaurants and cafés.
Central Brighton remains an attractive alternative, particularly around the seafront between Brighton Palace Pier and the former West Pier. This area has a wide choice of hotels and provides easy access to the city's main attractions, although runners will have a longer walk to Hove Lawns.
The Lanes and North Laine are good for visitors who want to explore Brighton's independent shops, restaurants and nightlife. Accommodation around Brighton railway station can also be convenient for those arriving by train, with the seafront accessible on foot.
Central Hove offers a quieter alternative, with residential streets, independent restaurants and smaller accommodation providers. Properties around Church Road and the avenues leading towards the seafront can provide a practical base for race weekend.
The Brighton Half Marathon attracts a large field of runners, many travelling from outside the local area. Booking accommodation early generally provides a wider choice, particularly for those planning to arrive on Saturday and stay overnight before the race.
Our Verdict
The Brighton Half Marathon 2027 offers an excellent combination of a well established race, a varied coastal course and the atmosphere of a major seaside running event. Its route through central Brighton and along the seafront makes it a memorable option for experienced runners and those completing their first half marathon.
The event's charitable identity and good local support add to its appeal, while Brighton and Hove provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy a weekend away. It is a strong choice for anyone looking for an early season half marathon with a distinctive location and a long running tradition.
Race Website
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