The Brighton MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (322 votes). 2012 race reviewed by: Anna Reilly
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In full: Loved it!! Even better than last year, especially regarding the atmosphere. I had no problem with the water pouches - not so keen on the shot blocks but that's just personal preference. The course itself was reasonably flat all but for two hills, and the long stretch to Shoreham and back again is hard, but then every marathon has a psychologically touch stretch. All in all, a very special race in which I secured a PB despite a very dicky tummy.
I do hope the rumours that they won't post out race packs next year isn't true - that'd be forcing everyone to stay in Brighton the night before which would be, quite simply, nuts. This race is set to get bigger and bigger and far outshines it's nearest UK competitor (Edinburgh) at every turn. Date of review: April 18, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: lardass
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Excellent day, especially as I got a PB!! Date of review: April 18, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: EdnaModes
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Loved it! In full: This was my first marathon and if they were all like this, I would definitely become addicted!
The best bit was the crowd. So enthusiastic in their support, they were obviously out to enjoy themselves too. They made the race for me.
There are a few inclines in the first half, but nothing too challenging really. Once you're past 11 miles, it's all downhill or flat. The section out by the power station isn't pleasant, but the stretches through Hove or the sea-front definitely make up for it.
Organisation was slick and efficient, can't fault it. If only this company could organise all the races in the UK, running would be much less hassle.
A couple of things on the downside tho; the race rules ban iPods but there were many people wearing headphones. If they're banned, they should stay banned. And with the race being in Brighton, you have to contend with the problems of Brighton - it's one of the most densely populated places in Europe, car parking is a nightmare and hotels are pricey and the staff rude. Date of review: April 18, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: xine267
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantatic Marathon - thank you Brighton In full: Great event! Amazing support from marshalls along the way, smooth organisation from signing up to finishing the race. I really loved how quick and hassle free the bag drop was (in comparison to the Brighton Half which was AWFUL!) and the speed of getting medal, goodie bag, t-shirt and retrieving bag from bag drop at the end of the race. (Also THANK YOU for providing t-shirts in many sizes, not just XXL!)
The only part I didn't like very much was the Road to Hell, but I actually ran that bit fastest of the whole marathon so maybe that was a good thing!
I'll also second the comments about the gantry being badly placed - I thought that was the finish too and "sprinted" to it, only to realise I still had a few hundred m to go.
I won't run it again next year as I'd like to experience a different marathon but I would definitely come back in future. Good value for money, great organisation and a fantastic event. Thank you! Date of review: April 17, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Clev Trev
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Hope to see you all next year. In full: First time in Brighton. What a lovely place. This was my 11th marathon, and it made my 324-mile drive south worth it. Just wondering if any of you will be heading north to Sunderland in a few weeks? Date of review: April 17, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Paul Leatherland
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: The organisation team and the people of Brighton should be proud In full: I congratulate everyone involved in the organisation and execution of the 2012 event, and a big thankyou to all those who supported along the course and cheered on the thousands of runners. Everyone involved in the event should feel very proud of the role they played in pulling off a spectacular day.
In my opinion, already the best marathon in the UK and getting better every year. Date of review: April 17, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: carol woodford
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In full: Fantastic atmosphere and crowd support. I disagree with other posts about toilets there were plenty, there was even a friendly toilet attendant at the start and plenty on route. The samba bands gospel choir and djmbe players really helped you keep in the rhythm and to keep smiling. All the marshalls and volunteers were supportive friendly and worked really hard. Some of the mileage markers were a bit confusing especially at 21 and 22 miles and the power station leg was very tough but once you were through that the crowds of people willing you on was so inspiring. Only thing that spoilt it for me was having to collect my number beforehand at the Expo but even that was manned with friendly enthusiastic volunteers. The finish line funnel was well managed and there was a clear place to meet up with family. The baggage handling service was really well organized, I stupidly didnt trust it and went to the start in just my running kit and got very cold. I did get confused with the start pens and ended up in a different one to the pacer that I wanted to follow but again that was my own fault. brighton as a place really embraces the marathon and supports it in every way possible. Date of review: April 17, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: AmandaTW
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Well done, fab race - it can rival the big boys. In full: What a brilliant day - even the weather was looking out for us. The marshalls were supportive, loved the number of water stops you turned a corner and there was another one. The park and ride was brilliant top marks for that. Course very pretty even the loops worked to an advantage as had so many club mates running whenever you did a loop we all saw each other and provided on route encouragement. My supporters loved the course as easy to see the runners (unlike London where crowds so big you can easily miss people). What I loved about this race was that while it's big, it's not so big you get lost - it's part of it's charm gets a thumbs up from supporters and from a runners point of view you can run at your pace. Only downside were difficulties with getting race numbers, I did not have a problem but had friends who did. Plus the gantry near the finish made it unclear where the finish was, ran towards it thinking that was the finish then realised had to keep going. Hats of to organisers as considering only 3rd year events been run thought brilliant and one of my favourite marathons. Date of review: April 17, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Old man bog
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Wow! Fantastic race, I cant thank the people of Brighton enough for the magnificent support! In full: This was my first marathon so I dont have anything to compare Brighton to, however as a first time marathon I thought it was an amazing experience. . . We had no problems at any stage of the event a credit to the organizers, and I dont think I will ever forget the buzz from the supporters around the whole course! As mentioned by others the power station is a bit quiet, but the support around the rest of the course more than makes up for this, especially the last 3-4 miles along the sea-front, a truly unforgettable experience as everyone shouts your name and encourages you on !!! Date of review: April 17, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: WilyCoyote
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Lovely route, well organised, great support In full: This was my second Brighton Marathon and it is a great event. Good organisation at the start, lovely varied route - town, country, sea-side. Although 18000 entries the route is not over-crowded. Support in the city centre is great, a carnival atmosphere. Even along the Shoreham basin support is still good. Only minor criticism would be the lack of mileage signs, seemed slightly erratic. Overall a great day and for me a pb. Date of review: April 17, 2012
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