Like many people I’m sure I signed up for Brighton marathon after failing in the ballot for London but still wanting to run a big spring marathon. The cost was astronomical but we wanted to combine it with a family holiday over the Easter period so Brighton was the best option for this.

As we were down for the whole week before I was able to pick my race number up on Friday without trouble but if I hadn’t wanted to stay having to pick your number up before the race would’ve been a pain in the backside. If they were posted I would feasibly be able to travel down on the day and not being able to couples with the price of hotels in Brighton would put me off taking part again! The registration process was fast & efficient but the expo itself a little disappointing. I’m not sure what I expected in fairness. 

Race day itself was good. Back drop was efficient and toilet queues long but fast moving.  By the time I hit the starting corral it was almost time to get underway and we didn’t have to wait long. The staggered start worked well to ease any congestion. 

The first part of the race seemed incredibly convoluted before you hit the seafront and had more hills than I expected! And the road to Saltdean though not steep was an incline all the way and despite being seafront you can’t really see the sea for much of it. I wasn’t really keen on all the out & back bits - just make the route longer! The bit round Hove was very well supported but seemed to go on forever and was mentally tough. I found this section harder than the notorious power station stretch! Running back along the promenade was a highlight but also very odd as there’s no barriers and you just have daytrippwrs wandering across your path and have to run around people! 

When I finished it started chucking it down and I was disappointed to discover the bag collection area was not undercover! Luckily I didn’t finish later else my stuff would’ve been soaked. Given the cost of the event I’m sure they could afford a couple of gazebos! 

The medal was fab but I totally missed the goody bags (my own fault as was a space cadet when I finished). 

Also had a problem with the buses which said they were stopping opposite the pier but actually had been diverted so we were waiting for over an hour before we realised and got fleeced for a taxi! 

I couldn’t fault the support around the course but overall I’m in no hurry to return to this race.