TENS OF THOUSANDS of runners from all over the local area are preparing themselves for the Brighton Half Marathon, which takes place this Sunday (19 February).
Starting on Madeira Drive at 9am, the race heads past iconic buildings such as the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Pier, then back around through Hove and past the Peace Statue where the race rejoins the road for the last dash past cheering crowds to the finish on Madeira Drive.
In true Brighton-and-Hove-style, the Brighton Half Marathon has worked hard to become a truly sustainable race. For over five years there has been active recycling at the race and the organisers avoid handing out leaflet filled ‘goody bags’. They use local suppliers to help reduce delivery miles, provide over 250 local people with work during the event, collect the used space blankets and give them to St. Patrick’s Homeless Charity and all lost property eventually goes to their Sussex Beacon shops.
There are two perfect places to watch the race as it goes out and back. To see runners at the 3 mile and 6 mile points, position yourself on Marine Parade, just above Madeira Drive.
Another good place to watch from is Hove Lawns - if the weather is nice a picnic is optional. Here you can watch the runners as they head for mile 9 and then cheer them on as they go for the last stretch to mile 12. There are also some great bands on route to keep viewers entertained.
In order that the Brighton Half Marathon is safe for everyone involved, some roads have to be closed. Working closely with Sussex Police, Brighton & Hove City Council and The AA, the organisers ensure that there is minimum disruption across the City.
The following roads will be closed on Sunday 19 February 2012:
- Madeira Drive, 4am-4pm
- Old Steine, Marlborough Place, Gloucester Place, Grand Parade, Pavilion Parade, 8.45am-9.35am
- Marine Parade, Marine Drive, 9.00-11.00
- Kings Road, Kingsway (Westbound lane only), 9.15am-12.15pm
All the road closures will be staffed by NGP Events and where applicable Sussex Police.
Other roads adjacent to these roads may also be affected.
Roads between St James Street, Bristol Road, St Georges Road, Chesham Road and Marine Parade will be stewarded. For more information about how these streets will be affected visit: www.sussexbeacon.org.uk
Article courtesy of Love Brighton, the free weekly paper for Brighton and Hove.
