Were the organisers right to give it this title?
Trying not to think about the weather, I made my way down to Hove Lawns ready to run 13.1 miles in the city.
Francesca Herring has shared her experience of running the Brighton Half Marathon (Image: Andrew Gardner)
Despite the rain, the wind, and the poncho/dry-robe wearing crowds, the colourful flags indicating where runners should start and the cheery voice of BBC Sussex’s very own Allison Ferns, who indeed welcomed everyone to the UK’s Happiest Half, injected a bit of colour into what was, meteorologically, a bit of a miserable day.
This was my second official half marathon, the first being in Cambridge last year, so I had a bit of an idea what to expect – nerves, the joys of queuing at portaloos and energy gels – but in Brighton this year, it was also full of genuine excitement, support from fellow runners and on-lookers, and the brilliant volunteers.
After a long queue at the portaloos and a wander over to my start gate, I got in the pen ready to get going on my 13.1 mile stomp of the city.
Again, despite the rain, the atmosphere was a complete mixture of excitement, nerves, and adrenaline. I could see people dressed in tutus of every colour of the rainbow (preparing for Pride, perhaps?) mythical creatures like a unicorn, a leprechaun, and bibs supporting so many charities both local and national.
It was a wonderful sight to see and it got me in the mood to run.
Francesca Herring has shared her experience of running the Brighton Half Marathon (Image: Francesca Herring)
The half marathon is the main fundraiser for The Sussex Beacon, which is a charity that supports people living with HIV.
The runners taking part in the race are predicted to have raised more than £1 million for various charities.
At the sound of the air horn, set off by singer, actor and fellow runner, Olly Alexander, we took off from Hove Lawns, where there was plenty of early support from people who had come to brave the rain and cheer everyone on.
Francesca Herring has shared her experience of running the Brighton Half Marathon (Image: Francesca Herring)
Despite the congestion it is causing for cars, running traffic travelled pretty swiftly through the redevelopment works at Valley Gardens.
After dodging muddy puddles round The Level, we went back down to the seafront and along Marine Parade heading out of the city, where I started getting a bit nervous about was looming in front of me.
But, watching the stream of runners fly down the other side definitely spurned us on to keep going. After all, “pain is temporary and Strava is forever”, so the signs said today.
We then went back to the roundabout, down Madeira Drive, and along the seafront to Hove Lagoon and back around for the home stretch.
Francesca Herring has shared her experience of running the Brighton Half Marathon (Image: Andrew Gardner)
I’m no half marathon expert, but this route felt really good to me.
It was a mixture of inclines and declines, both geographically and physically, but there was so much support from the crowds and the entertainers at every mile.
We were treated to the sounds of Drum and Blaze, the Wild Earth Drummers and more, and it made all the difference when the going got a bit tough.
In two hours and 22 minutes, a personal best for me, I crossed the line and was met with some lovely volunteers who were more than happy to be dishing out medals, congratulations and goodie bags full of snacks for the post-run hunger.
Francesca Herring has shared her experience of running the Brighton Half Marathon (Image: Andrew Gardner)
The medals are of a regency townhouse, the very kind you see while running the route.
They have plenty of colour and detail, and are the perfect nod to running a half marathon in Brighton.
I’ve still got the full Brighton Marathon ahead of me in April, but if I’m not sick of running in this lovely city by then, I’ll definitely be back for the half next year.
All in all, I had a brilliant time running the Brighton Half Marathon with some really inspiring people.
To me it is definitely the UK’s happiest half marathon.
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
