THOUSANDS of people took to the streets for the annual Vitality Brighton Half Marathon at the weekend.

Olympic legend Sally Gunnell was the official starter for the popular event, which is now in its 26th year.

The weather was chilly but dry, creating good running conditions and drawing large crowds of spectators.

The race is the largest annual fundraising event for the Sussex Beacon, a Brighton-based charity which supports people with HIV/Aids.

Many runners also support other charities as well.

Among the almost 13,000 people taking part in yesterday’s (sun) race was cancer patient Sara Cutting, 47, who was raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Ms Cutting, from Brighton, spent a year posting selfies of herself wearing a different hat every day on Facebook while she was undergoing treatment.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and took on the hat challenge to help her cope as she went through chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Ms Cutting had hoped to run the race this year but had to settle for a combination of walking and running after recently developing an infection.

She finished the course in two hours and 45 minutes.

Ms Cutting said: “I had to walk it last year because I was recovering so I am absolutely determined that next year I will be able to run the whole way round.

“I’m really happy that I managed to turn up and get around today. Everything went really well and the atmosphere was amazing.

“There were lots of cheers and I got a bit emotional at times but it was definitely worth it.”

. I’m looking forward to doing it again.

“It was a great thing to do and of course I was wearing a fabulous hat.”

Argus crime reporter Rachel Millard also took part, finishing the race in two hours.

She was taking part in aid of Rockinghorse, which is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton and also supports the specialist Trevor Mann baby unit at the neighbouring Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Rachel said: “The course was quite flat which was good and there was a really nice atmosphere. Everyone was really friendly.

“I enjoyed it very much.”