VOLUNTEER registration for the 2019 Brighton Marathon Weekend is now open online.

More than 1,000 volunteers make up Team Brighton each year, supported by community partner American Express.

During event week, The Brighton Marathon Weekend’s team of 15 grows to about 1,500 across a variety of volunteer roles and staff.

This year that figure is set to grow even bigger with the addition of a new cycling event, BM Ride, and its own event site on Hove Lawns.

Event director Tom Naylor said: “Every year we are truly grateful to the many who commit their time and energy to the Brighton Marathon Weekend as volunteers.

“We are delighted to welcome new faces, as well as those who are returning to show their support once more.

“In 2019, we will be celebrating ten years of the Brighton Marathon and would like to say a special thank you to the few that have been with us since the very beginning; it is an honour to have you as part of the team.”

Beverly Sawyers, vice president at American Express, said: “Team Brighton volunteer programme is once again proudly backed by American Express.

“As official community partner, we will be encouraging the whole community to get behind what has become one of the region’s biggest annual sports events.

“It’s thanks to the tireless support of the many volunteers and the enthusiasm of the thousands of spectators cheering the runners on, that makes the Brighton Marathon Weekend one of the most inspirational events in the city’s calendar.”

The event takes place from April 12 to 14 and includes the Brighton Marathon, BM10k, Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Mini Mile Races and the BM Ride.