Brighton Half Marathon

The annual Brighton Half Marathon, officially known as the Altra Brighton Half Marathon, is fast approaching. If you’re planning your calendar, make sure to mark Sunday, March 1st, 2026. This 13.1-mile race is a huge deal for the city, drawing over 10,000 runners every year, but this time around, there’s an extra layer of excitement: the official starter is going to be singer and actor Olly Alexander.

Olly Alexander, who you’ll know from Years & Years, his role in the acclaimed series 'It’s a Sin', and representing the UK at Eurovision 2024, isn't just there to wave the flag. After giving the official start signal, he’s actually running the race himself. This will be his first half marathon challenge, and he’s running as part of 'Team Beacon'. This effort is entirely in support of The Sussex Beacon, a crucial Brighton charity that provides care and support for people living with HIV. Alexander even visited the hospice back in February to learn more about their work before committing to the run. He won't be the only familiar face on the start line either; he’ll be joined by Chris Oliver from SAS Who Dares Wins and the comedian and TV host Zoe Lyons.

The Half Marathon is a massive event for local fundraising, known for raising over £1 million for various causes annually. It’s the biggest yearly fundraiser for The Sussex Beacon, and Team Beacon specifically is aiming high, hoping to beat the £120,000 they raised in 2025. If you’re thinking about joining the thousands of runners, entry is free if you commit to fundraising for the charity. Whether you’re running or just cheering, it looks set to be a busy and meaningful day for the city's running calendar on the first Sunday of March.