Altra Brighton Half Marathon

Name: Altra Brighton Half Marathon
Start: 2026-03-01T09:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-01T09:30:00+00:00
Location: Hove Lawns

Question 1

Can I get a refund, defer or transfer my registration?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we do not offer refunds, deferrals or transfers. The full terms & conditions that each of our runners checks at point of registration can be found here: https://brightonhalfmarathon.com/race-day/rules/

Question 2

Is there a minimum age limit?

Accepted Answer

For the main half marathon, entrants need to be 17 on race day.

Question 3

Can I run in fancy dress?

Accepted Answer

Yes but we recommend practising in your costume beforehand.

Question 4

Is there a time limit on finishing the race?

Accepted Answer

We welcome participants of all abilities in the race. The sweeper bus will follow runners on a 3.5 hour running schedule. Runners falling behind this schedule will be asked to run on the pavement.

Question 5

My estimated finishing time doesn’t reflect my current fitness level. Should I change start pens?

Accepted Answer

No please stick to your colour zone but move to the back or front of the zone depending on your fitness level.

Question 6

What should I do if I lose my race number?

Accepted Answer

If you lose your race number and/or your timing chip please come to the help desk to have another re-issued. For the 2026 race, the help desk is open on Saturday 28th February from 3-5pm and from 7:30am on race day until the race starts. The help desk location is Hove Lawns, next to the Peace Statue on the upper prom. To have another pack re-issued you must bring proof of entry, this can be a confirmation email or bank statement.

Question 7

Are there entries on the day of the race?

Accepted Answer

Question 8

I have move house/changed address since entering. Can I change my contact details?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you need to contact us at info@brightonhalfmarathon.com

Question 9

Can I enter a friend?

Accepted Answer

Yes but we require separate email addresses and mobile phone numbers

Question 10

When will I receive my race number?

Accepted Answer

Race packs, including your race number with timing chip attached and luggage tag will be sent to you at least 2 weeks before the race. For missing numbers, you will be able to pick one up on the Saturday before race day from 3-5pm, or on race day from 7.30am from the help desk in the race village on Hove Lawns – please bring proof of entry.

Question 11

How do I know if my online entry worked?

Accepted Answer

You should receive an automated email confirmation from the Brighton Half Marathon. Please check your junk folder if this doesn't arrive as they can occasionally end up as spam emails.

Question 12

My timing chip didn’t work – can you help?

Accepted Answer

Occasionally there can be issues with a timing chip in the race. When this happens, we work with our timing provider to help you get an accurate time in the event. Please contact the race team at info@brightonhalfmarathon.com for more assistance with this, telling us your name and race number.

Question 13

Can I get more detail on the Park & Ride service?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately our Park & Ride Service is not available for our 2026 Event

Question 14

What road closures are in place on race day?

Accepted Answer

Road closures are detailed on this page: https://brightonhalfmarathon.com/race-day/the-course/

Question 15

Can my friends and family book Park & Ride?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though please be aware that the Park & Ride service is runner-priority. Bookings are made per car, rather than per person.

Question 16

Where is the best place to watch the race from?

Accepted Answer

Marine Parade and Hove Lawns enable you to see the race going both ways

Question 17

When and where will the race results be published?

Accepted Answer

The results will be available online shortly after the race on our results page:
https://brightonhalfmarathon.com/news/results/

Question 18

Are any of the roads closed?

Accepted Answer

Yes all the roads used during the race are closed

Question 19

Are toilets available on the route?

Accepted Answer

We know there can never be enough toilets, but we try to ensure that you don’t have to queue too long on race day. In addition to the existing public toilets along Hove Promenade, there are portable toilets and urinals in and around race village and at all four drinks stations along the route.

Accessible toilets
Accessible toilets are available in each block of toilet facilities in race village and at the 4 drinks stations along the route. There are also public toilets along Hove Prom.

Question 20

Are there mile/km markers on the course?

Accepted Answer

There are mile markers at each mile.

Question 21

What is the race distance?

Accepted Answer

The half-marathon course is 21.1K or 13.1 miles.

Question 22

Are there any first aid points on the course?

Accepted Answer

Our first aid service is provided by Enhanced Care Services. There is cover across the course. There is a treatment point at the start/ finish area, and on Hove Lawns, plus roving medics on bikes in the course to ensure your safety. Please ensure you fill in the medical information on the back of your race number.

Question 23

What refreshments are available out on the course?

Accepted Answer

Please bring your own water/hydration if you can, to help prevent gathering at the drinks stations on the course. There will be four drinks stations along the 13.1 mile route, with water at each. You’ll find water stations in miles 3 and 6 and HIGH5 and water in miles 8 and 11.

Question 24

Are pacers available?

Accepted Answer

Our training provider RunBrighton will be providing our pace team and there will be pacers for 1hr 30mins / 1hr 45mins / 2hrs / 2hrs 15mins / 2hrs 30 mins / 2hrs 45mins / 3hrs. You can meet the pacers for 2026 here:
https://www.runbrighton.com/pace-team/

Question 25

How does the race start work?

Accepted Answer

All competitors are issued with a colour coded race number that reflects their estimated finish time. You should only start in the allocated colour/time zone. This will help prevent you going too quickly or slowly at the start. Your time starts when you pass under the gantry so don’t worry if it takes a while to get to the start line.

Question 26

Where are the car parks?

Accepted Answer

Parking: There is no parking on Hove Lawns and road closures in the city start from 07.00am. The location of our Park & Ride is just off the A23 coming into the city, and the site will be fully stewarded. If you are looking to park in the city, there are NCP car parks in the centre of Brighton and roads close to race village where you may be able to park – please note however that these get busy so we advise arriving early. There are also private car parking spaces available to book at yourparkingspace.co.uk. The race starts at 9:30am. Please note we do not accept late starters, anyone crossing the line after 9:45am will not have their time included in the race results

Question 27

Is there a bus/train station nearby?

Accepted Answer

Our race village on Hove Lawns is easily accessible from both Brighton Station (approximately 1.2 miles) and Hove Station (approximately 1.3 miles) Note that although there are currently no planned works on the Brighton line, we recommend you check service updates regularly to ensure there are no disruptions to service on Race Day. If you are coming to the race site from Brighton train station, take Queens Road south to the seafront, turn right and head towards the i360 or access the subway and again turn right and head along the beachfront. If you are travelling via Hove Train station head straight ahead down Goldstone Villas, turning left at the bottom of the road on to Blatchington Road, take the third right onto Norton Road, cross Church Road onto 4th Avenue and Hove Lawns will be in front of you on the left. If you are using baggage, we recommend heading along the prom and accessing baggage via the dedicated entrance, just along from the Peace Statue.

Question 28

Where is the start and finish?

Accepted Answer

Both the start and finish are on Hove Lawns, opposite Palmeira Square on the seafront, between The Peace Statue and Queen Victoria Statue at the bottom of Grand Avenue (BN3 2WN).

Question 29

Will I get a medal?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All finishers receive a medal at the finish line, along with a goody bag and water.

Question 30

What should I do with my race number?

Accepted Answer

Pin your race number to the FRONT of your running top using safety pins. Do not obscure it with other clothing as it contains your timing chip.

Question 31

What is on the back of my race number?

Accepted Answer

The back contains medical information that you should fill in, plus your baggage label if you want to use the baggage facility.

Question 32

What colour is my start pen?

Accepted Answer

Your race number shows which colored start pen you've been allocated based on your predicted finish time:

SUB 1:20: GREY
1:20-1:29: RED
1:30-1:44: BLUE
1:45-1:59: YELLOW
2:00-2:14: PURPLE
2:15-2:29: PINK
2:30-3:30: GREEN

Question 33

How do I get to the race site?

Accepted Answer

Train: Brighton Station (approx. 1.2 miles) or Hove Station (approx. 1.3 miles)
Coach: Poole Valley (close to event village)
Car: Use Park & Ride service (if booked) or local car parks
Important: No parking on Hove Lawns. Course closes from 07:15am.

Question 34

Is there a baggage facility?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there's a baggage facility on Hove Lawns. It opens at 07:30am.

Question 35

How do I use the baggage facility?

Accepted Answer

Loop the baggage label (attached to your race number) around the handle of a waterproof bag. Access baggage via the dedicated entrance along from the Peace Statue. Note: Baggage cannot be accessed from the start pens - there's a one-way system in place.

Question 36

Can I leave extra clothing before the start?

Accepted Answer

Yes! There are recycling points next to the start pens where you can leave old clothing. All discarded items will be donated to The Sussex Beacon charity shops.

Question 37

Can spectators access the start area?

Accepted Answer

No, access to the start area is runners only to improve access for participants.

Question 38

What is the course like?

Accepted Answer

The route is primarily flat and fast, running along Brighton seafront and through the city. You'll pass landmarks including:

Brighton Palace Pier
Royal Pavilion
The Level
Marine Parade (toward Roedean)
Madeira Drive
Hove seafront
Hove Lagoon

Question 39

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Running kit (top, shorts/tights, shoes, socks, sports bra)
Race number with safety pins
Waterproof bag for baggage facility
Layers for the cold start
Sun cream/chafing cream as needed
Watch/GPS device
Water bottle (optional)
Energy gels (optional)
Park & Ride QR code (if applicable)

Question 40

What about headphones?

Accepted Answer

While some runners enjoy music, we encourage you NOT to use earphones on race day to ensure you can hear medical alerts and instructions from marshals.

Question 41

What if I need to drop out?

Accepted Answer

Go to the nearest marshal and tell them your bib number. We encourage you to make your own way to the finish area if possible. A sweep bus will pick up runners who cannot continue.

Question 42

What happens when I finish?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive your medal, goody bag, and water at the finish line. Foil blankets are available on request.

Question 43

How does the timing chip work?

Accepted Answer

Your timing chip is on the back of your race number. It automatically registers when you cross the start and finish lines, giving you a precise time.

Question 44

Can I collect my baggage after finishing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, baggage collection is located relatively close to the finish line. Show your race number to collect your bag.

Question 45

I've never run a half marathon before - is this race suitable for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Brighton Half Marathon welcomes runners of all abilities. The course is relatively flat and the atmosphere is fantastic with great crowd support.

Question 46

How should I prepare as a first-timer?

Accepted Answer

Follow a proper training plan (try Runna by Strava for personalized plans)
Arrive early (by 08:15am) to familiarize yourself with the race village
Read this race guide thoroughly
Don't try anything new on race day (clothes, shoes, nutrition)
Start conservatively and enjoy the experience

Question 47

What pace should I run?

Accepted Answer

Start in the correct colored start pen based on your predicted finish time. It's better to start conservatively and speed up if you feel good, rather than starting too fast and struggling later.

Question 48

What should I do the day before?

Accepted Answer

Attend the Altra shake-out run on Friday 27th February at 5:30pm from The Jog Shop (optional, light run)
Stay hydrated
Eat familiar foods
Get your race kit ready
Get a good night's sleep
Avoid standing around too much

Question 49

Should I take energy gels?

Accepted Answer

If you've trained with them, yes. Don't try them for the first time on race day. There are 4 water stations if you prefer to rely on those.

Question 50

What's the elite race schedule?

Accepted Answer

The Wheelchair Race starts at 09:28am, followed by the main race at 09:30am. Elite winners' presentations take place at 11:15am in the main presentation area.

Question 51

What are the Youth Race times?

Accepted Answer

Pack collection opens: 11:00am
Youth Race Marquee opens: 12:00pm
Races start: 12:30pm (see specific wave times below)
Event closes: 16:30pm

Question 52

What are the age categories and wave times?

Accepted Answer

7-8 year olds (Orange T-shirts): Races 1-4, starting 12:30pm-13:30pm
9-10 year olds (Yellow T-shirts): Races 5-8, starting 13:50pm-14:50pm
11-12 year olds (Navy Blue T-shirts): Races 9-10, starting 15:10pm-15:30pm
13-14 year olds (Turquoise T-shirts): Race 11, starting 15:50pm
15-17 year olds (Red T-shirts): Race 11, starting 15:50pm

Question 53

How long is the Youth Race?

Accepted Answer

One mile out and back along Hove Promenade.

Question 54

What's in the Youth Race pack?

Accepted Answer

Age-related, color-coded T-shirt (to be worn during the race)
Wristband for the adult collecting your child after the race
Race instructions

Question 55

Where is the Youth Race meeting point?

Accepted Answer

The Youth Race Marquee on Hove Lawns (opposite Palmeira Square). You can store belongings here during the race - it will be staffed at all times.

Question 56

How does child collection work after the race?

Accepted Answer

Children will ONLY be released to the adult wearing the wristband provided in the race pack. This is for safety and safeguarding.

Question 57

Can I fundraise as a Youth Race participant?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Youth Race charity partner is Rockinghorse Children's Charity. See brightonhalfmarathon.com/youth-race for fundraising details.

Question 58

Where can wheelchair racers park?

Accepted Answer

Parking for wheelchair racers opens at 07:00am. Specific details will be provided to registered wheelchair participants.

Question 59

What distance is the Wheelchair Race?

Accepted Answer

The full 13.1-mile half marathon course.

Question 60

Where are the best places to watch?

Accepted Answer

The Old Steine: See runners twice as they head up to St Peter's Church and back
Aquarium Roundabout: See runners up to four times
Madeira Drive: Wide promenade with cafes/bars, runners pass twice
Marine Parade: Early miles and return journey
Hove Seafront (Kings Road): Miles 9-10 heading to Hove Lagoon
Hove Lagoon: The turning point at mile 11
Finish area at Hove Lawns: The final stretch!

Question 61

Are there spectator crossing points?

Accepted Answer

Yes, crossing points are at:

Peace Statue
East Street
West Street
Aquarium Roundabout
Madeira Drive

Question 62

What time will the roads reopen?

Accepted Answer

Most roads reopen by 14:00 (2pm), though some sections reopen earlier. Check the road closure map on page 10 for specific times.

Question 63

Where can I watch the Youth Races?

Accepted Answer

The Youth Races take place on Saturday along Hove Promenade. You can watch from various points along the one-mile out-and-back route, with the best viewing at the start/finish area on Hove Lawns.

Question 64

Who is the headline charity?

Accepted Answer

The Sussex Beacon is the headline charity. They challenge stigma and tackle health inequalities by providing inclusive palliative and end-of-life care for people living with HIV.