The Brighton marathon is a good event for those looking for a large scale marathon, and did not get into London. I achieved a PB of 3:13:42, and had a good day.

Here are the positives:

1. Course is attractive with lots to see and do along the route. 
2. Crowds are amazing and cheer you most of the way. 
3. Lots of out and backs along the route so you can view leaders of the race or other runners. 
4. The event village is fun, and located right on the beach.
5. Elite start for those looking for under 3.15 misses out a big hill in the first mile.

The negatives from my experience:

1. Registration messed me up. They gave me the wrong type bib, which caused me a walk of 2 extra miles at the start of the marathon to get to the right place. 
2. You have to collect your race bib the day before. Can't see why they don't post them out, especially as the majority of entrants are from the UK.
3. Water is only given in cups. You don't get enough. I need 800ml per hour, and cups were only half full. 
4. The sports drink was only given in cups. I hid 2 bottles of lucozade on the course for me to pick up on the route. 
5. There is a reasonably steep hill at about 10 miles, that I am sure could be removed and replaced with a flatter section somewhere. 
6. Miles 20-22 when most people hit the wall have very little support around the power station. Not a very enjoyable part of the course. 

Overall I enjoyed the event and worked through the little annoyances. I ran my fastest ever marathon. Would I do it again? Probably not.