Brighton Trail Marathon

The Brighton Trail Marathon took place this past Sunday, April 12, 2026, marking a new addition to the local running calendar. Organised by Maverick Race in collaboration with the Brighton Marathon team, this event introduced a format that blends trail and road running. It was part of the broader Brighton Marathon Weekend, which ran from April 11 to 12 and included other events like the Brighton Miles and the Brighton and Hove 10K.

The 42 km route began at Stanmer Park, taking runners through 36 km of trails across the South Downs. This section included Ditchling Beacon, the highest point of the course. For the final 6 km, the route merged with the official Brighton Marathon course, leading participants to the finish line at Hove Lawns. Because of the terrain, organisers required participants to carry specific safety equipment, including a waterproof jacket, 1 litre of water, 800 calories, a mobile phone, the route's GPX file, and a reusable cup.

Logistically, the event had a set entry fee of £79, with registration closing on April 7, 2026. There were no entries allowed on the day of the race. To manage the flow of runners, three aid stations were positioned at the 12 km, 22 km, and 37 km marks, each with strict cut-off times at 11:15, 12:45, and 15:05 respectively. For those travelling to the start, the recommended approach was using public transport via Falmer station or utilising the paid parking facilities at the University of Sussex.