The final preparations are taking place for this weekend's Brighton Marathon extravaganza.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to pack the city as runners prepare to tackle the course on Sunday.

The first of the thousands of barriers needed to line the marathon route have been delivered with workmen getting them ready.

The race starts at Preston Park and sweeps around the city before reaching the finish line at Madeira Drive.

The marathon, now in its fifth year, is one of Brighton and Hove’s biggest annual events, regularly boosting tourism and raising millions for charity.

The weekend kicks off with an exhibition at the Brighton Centre today and tomorrow, followed by the under 18s mini mile races on Saturday.

Runners in a new 10km race will set off on Sunday morning ahead of the main event itself.

  • See tomorrow's paper for our comprehensive guide to the event and follow the marathon live with our liveblog at theargus.co.uk on Sunday. Monday's paper will include full coverage of the event and an eight page picture supplement. On Tuesday we will be running the names and times of all the competitors who complete the race. Pictures from the Mini Mile will be published in Wednesday's Youth in Action supplement.