PLACES for runners in one of the county’s flagship events have sold out in record time.

Organisers of the Brighton Half Marathon have confirmed that all public race places have been snapped up, only two and half months after opening for registration.

More than half of the places were sold in the first month and 2,000 extra places for this year’s race were added.

Paul Bond, event manager, said: “We are thrilled that the event is continuing to grow in record time. To those runners that have registered, a huge thanks.”

The 2015 Brighton Half Marathon will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the race, with runners receiving a special commemorative medal on the finish line.

There were 12,500 public places available and over half of them were sold in the first month.

Partners for the 2015 race so far are Brighton and Hove City Council, Studio57 Clinic and Visit Brighton.

The Brighton Half is usually the first half marathon of the year and attracts a mix of first time half-marathon runners, club runners and charity runners.

Runners in the 2015 Brighton Half Marathon will start on the seafront at 9am on February 22 and will finish on Madeira Drive.

Mr Bond said: “We cannot wait to welcome you all in February and we wish everyone the best of luck in their preparations.”

Local running clubs started the Brighton Half Marathon until the Sussex Beacon took over in 2004. Since then, the race has gone one to become one of the largest running events in the region.

The Brighton Half Marathon is organised by The Sussex Beacon, which offers specialist care and support to men, women and families affected by HIV.

Simon Dowe, CEO of the charity, said: “The Sussex Beacon is proud to be the organiser of the race, which has helped to raise thousands of pounds for the charity over the years, providing vital funds that have supported many people with HIV.”

Runners who have missed out on a public place can still enter and raise money for one of the official charities.

For more details visit www.brightonhalfmarathon.com