On April 6, 2025, the vibrant city of Brighton came alive as up to 20,000 runners embarked on the 15th annual Brighton Marathon, an event that has become a staple in the UK’s running calendar. The race kicked off at 09:45 BST from Preston Park, with participants navigating a picturesque route that showcased the historic Royal Pavilion and the stunning seafront, before culminating at Hove Lawns.
Alongside the marathon, the Brighton & Hove 10K also took place, starting earlier at 8:45 AM, attracting over 3,500 enthusiastic runners. This year’s event not only highlighted athletic prowess but also served as a platform for raising awareness around important health issues.
Among the notable participants was Kristina Goodsell, a contestant from the reality show Married at First Sight. She ran to raise awareness about premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that affects many women. Her participation reflects the marathon’s growing role in supporting various causes.
Meanwhile, Matt Clayton, hailing from Rustington in West Sussex, took on an extraordinary challenge. After completing the Brighton Marathon, he planned to walk 11 miles to Newhaven, catch a ferry to Dieppe, and then trek the 105 miles to Paris, where he will run the Paris Marathon the following Sunday, April 13, 2025. Clayton is raising funds for the Wynn Trust, a charity dedicated to supporting former boxers with brain injuries. "The training's been going well," Clayton told BBC Radio Sussex. "I've been running with a few running clubs. It's 167 miles in total I've got to do in the eight days."
Reflecting on his motivation, he added, "I know all my family are behind me, so that will be the motivation when it gets tough, I'll just be trying to do it for my family." His determination is commendable, especially as he prepares to tackle such a grueling schedule.
The Brighton Marathon has seen significant growth since its inception in 2010, with over 150,000 runners participating throughout the years. This year, the atmosphere was electric, with thousands of spectators lining the streets, cheering on the participants. The support from the crowd was palpable, as both runners and spectators shared in the excitement of the day.
In the 10K race, Ross Skelton emerged victorious in the men’s category, finishing with an impressive time of 31:25. He dedicated his win to his late friend, athlete Robbie Fitzgibbon, who tragically passed away in October 2024. Skelton expressed his sentiments, saying, "This run was for Robbie Fitzgibbon. Robbie was a very close friend of mine, who I used to train with. So today was for Robbie, rest in peace." His heartfelt tribute added an emotional layer to the day’s festivities.
The first female finisher in the 10K was Amy Harris, who crossed the line in 37:35. Harris expressed her joy at returning to form after battling injuries and an eating disorder. "It is pretty special, I have not won a race for quite a few years. Now I feel back on track and in a really happy place with a strong body," she said. Harris also shared her aspirations for future marathons, stating, "I would love to do Brighton, it was my first-ever marathon back in 2021. I think it is one of the best-supported marathons out there."
As the marathon unfolded, the weather played a crucial role, with conditions being favorable for the runners. Sam Cook claimed victory in the men’s marathon, a personal achievement after years of perseverance. Cook, who had previously struggled with his marathon times, expressed his surprise at winning, stating, "It was massive to win today, I think the first time I did this was 10 or 11 years ago; I DNF'd, came back a couple of years later and did 3:46, so just been pushing on since then and it is nice to win it. It was unexpected."
Cook had aimed for a time of around 2:26 or 2:27 but acknowledged the unpredictability of race day. "You never know as you don't know who turns up on the day. There are some quick people out there, so it is unexpected to have won," he remarked. His brother, James, also had a commendable day, finishing second in the 10K race, showcasing the family’s athletic prowess.
Adding to the day’s unique flair, Toby Freeman, the founder of The Robin Cancer Trust, ran the marathon dressed as a giant pair of testicles as part of his "Big Ballsy Challenge" to raise awareness about testicular cancer. Freeman’s unconventional costume was a conversation starter aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding men’s health issues. "If dressing as a giant ballbag makes people stop, laugh, and learn how to save their own life – it’s 100% worth it," he stated. His efforts highlight the importance of early detection in combating testicular cancer, which affects 2,400 men in the UK each year.
As the day concluded, the Brighton Marathon once again proved to be more than just a race; it was a celebration of community, resilience, and awareness. The blend of personal stories, competitive spirit, and community support made the 2025 event a memorable occasion for all involved.
