THE man behind the parkrun phenomenon has revealed his emotional connection with the Brighton Marathon.

Paul Sinton-Hewitt, who has watched the weekly 5k event he founded sweep the globe since the inaugural run in 2004, has been announced as the official race starter at next month’s showpiece.

He told The Argus a close friend proposed to his future wife on the finish line of the 2014 marathon.

“She was running and he was spectating, so we were walking around the course going from shop to shop looking for champagne,” he said.

“They’ve bought a place down in Brighton now, so it’s all coming home to roost for me now I’ve been approached to start the race.

“It’s very exciting. I just hope I can calm down appropriately.”

Paul, who was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in South Africa, said the city’s multi-cultural make-up chimed perfectly with his approach to running.

“My original vision for parkrun was about democratising running,” he said.

“Brighton is a vibrant place with a very diverse population. I helped set up the Hove Park parkrun and the special thing about the city is that no matter which event you go to or which gender, race or religion you are there’s a very wide acceptance of you.

“I started parkrun because I was in a dark place mentally.

Several friends came to the first one in London and seven of us went for coffee afterwards.

“It’s not so much about running as it is about community.”

The city has four parkruns – with Paul singling out the “very challenging” course at Bevendean for special mention – but all eyes will be on the marathon come April 15.

Paul, who used to paraglide at Devil’s Dyke, said: “It’s always a fabulous occasion. People get very pumped up beforehand.

“Some are brand new to it and others are very well versed.

“It seems to me everyone has to run a marathon these days to be seen as fit, but it’s an extraordinary distance.”

l See theargus.co.uk for pictures and coverage, and get your picture supplement on Monday April 16