Brighton and Hove Rainbow Run

The Brighton & Hove Rainbow Run has quickly become a fixture of the local calendar, especially for those who love running and supporting the community during Pride weekend. Organized by the Brighton and Hove FrontRunners (BHFR), a local LGBTQIA+ running club, this event is a timed 5k race that takes place the night before the main Pride Parade. It’s held right in Hove Park (Goldstone Crescent, Hove BN3 6BG) and has earned a great reputation, currently holding a high rating of 4.9/5 based on participant feedback since it started in 2022. It’s definitely a unique way to kick off the weekend festivities.

If you're planning ahead, the next major event is scheduled for Friday, August 1, 2025, running from 19:00 to 21:00, though the date August 7, 2026, is already being mentioned for the following year. The run is open to people of all abilities, but participants must be 14 or older, and they ask that you leave the pushchairs at home. It’s a festive, nighttime atmosphere where costumes are highly encouraged. Entry costs £22, and finishers receive a commemorative medal—this year's color is orange—along with a goodie bag and free photos. They also hand out prizes not just for the fastest runners (male, female, and non-binary categories) but also for the best costume, adding to the fun.

Beyond the race itself, the core purpose of the Rainbow Run is fundraising. Since its inception, the event has raised over £12,000 for local causes. For example, in 2022, they raised over £2140 for Lunch Positive, and in 2023, they contributed over £3500 to The Brighton Rainbow Fund. The beneficiary for the upcoming 2025 event is the Allsorts Youth Project, which provides vital support to LGBT+ young people under 26 and their families. If you have any specific questions about the event or the organization, you can reach the organizers directly at [email protected]