Brighton Half Marathon weekend starts with youth races in Hove

Runners gathered on the seafront at Hove Lawns for the series of youth races which went up by age group from seven to 17.

The sun shone for the occasion and the one-mile route was lined with cheering and waving parents.

There was lots of support for runners (Image: Andrew Gardner) The seven to eight-year-old races heralded the beginning of the day’s events and in the excitement a cone was kicked over as the girls set off.

Chloe Mullins, 8, took the top spot.

The keen triathlete from Haywards Heath, who loves swimming, said the race was “really good” and she enjoyed it.

Chloe with her mum (Image: Andrew Gardner) Mum Suzi said: “I’m really proud of her there’s been a lot of hard work gone into this.”

The boys in the seven to eight-year-old race had to be held back they were so eager to get the race underway.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Brighton Half Marathon including road closures

Henry Robinson, who came second, wants to be a runner when he’s older.

The battle for second place (Image: Andrew Gardner) The eight-year-old has been inspired by some of the Olympians his osteopath dad Dave treats.

“He loves running,” said Dave.

“Today was amazing and it’s good to see everyone out.”

Henry with his dad Dave (Image: Andrew Gardner)Tomorrow will see some 10,000 runners take part in the half marathon.

The race will begin at 9.30am at Hove Lawns and the route will take participants past some of Brighton’s best known landmarks.

The Yeomans Toyota wheelchair race will start a few minutes before.

Comedian and Brighton resident Joe Wilkinson will be the half marathon’s official starter.

Parents and siblings cheered runners on (Image: Andrew Gardner) Other well-known faces also supporting the Brighton Half Marathon this year include DS Chris Oliver from Channel 4’s SAS Who Dares Wins; actor Craig Parkinson; broadcaster and presenter Bobby Seagull who are all running for The Sussex Beacon in support of their Formula Milk Programme, plus content creator and Love Island star Zachariah Noble.

Brighton-based HIV charity The Sussex Beacon has been the owner of the Brighton Half Marathon since 1990. The event is the charity’s biggest fundraiser every year and is essential to help fund the charity’s services.