Two of Britain’s greatest marathon athletes have been named as official starters for events at the 2024 Brighton Marathon Weekend.
Paula Radcliffe MBE, former marathon world-record holder and three-time London Marathon winner, will start the main event on Sunday, April 7.
David Weir CBE, the six-time Paralympic gold medallist, will start the new-look Brighton Miles event in Preston Park on Saturday, April 6.
Radcliffe is attending the event as an ambassador for the charity Children With Cancer UK. She will signal the start of the Brighton Marathon for about 13,000 participants in Preston Park.
“I’m delighted to be coming back to Brighton to start the 2024 Brighton Marathon,” she said.
“For me the start of a marathon is a very special and inspirational moment that wonderfully conveys the warmth, empathy and power of the marathon family. Thousands of participants come together and the atmosphere is electric.
“I’m really looking forward to April 7 and wish everyone an amazing day.”
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In addition to the three triumphs in London, Radcliffe has won the New York marathon three times and won the Chicago Marathon in 2002. She held the women’s world marathon record for 16 years from 2003 to 2019 and represented Great Britain at the Olympics in four consecutive games (1996 to 2008).
Brighton Miles, newly relaunched as a community event for all, will welcome Paralympic hero and record eight-time London Marathon winner David Weir CBE as the official starter. Weir is aiming to add to his six gold medals at the Paris Paralympic Games this summer.
In addition to the family miles, an adult-only mile and a women and girls-only mile, the Welcome Wave has been created to specifically support participants with a disability and participants who are neurodivergent, when a person's brain functions differently from the "typical" brain. There is also a "walk and talk wave" for those not wanting to run a mile, as well as a "celebrate your community2 mile for groups. Weir will start different miles, hand out medals and celebrate the day.
“Sport should be accessible to all and Brighton Miles is a great example of an event that is truly demonstrating that,” said Weir.
“No matter your age, ability or disability the Brighton Miles is for you. You can take part whether you’re using a racing chair, a mobility aid, are looking to walk, or want a parent’s support. I’m delighted to be there to help everyone over the start line and to celebrate with them on the finish line.”
General entries for the 2024 Brighton Marathon are sold out but there is still a chance to be involved in the weekend of events. People can still sign up to run the marathon for charity, entry is open for the BM10K until March 21 (£39.99 per place) and there are miles available to sign up for at the free Brighton Miles event in Preston Park.
The BM10K starts and finishes at Hove Lawns and features a stunning coastal route, with most of the field consisting of local runners. The Brighton Marathon is the third-largest marathon in the UK and takes participants on a 26.2-mile journey from city to coast, past the sights of Brighton and Hove. The marathon begins in Preston Park and shares a finish line with the BM10K.
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