Brighton resident and faithful Amanda Collier is on the start and finish line today, February 28.
The former police detective is sounding the starting horn on Hove promenade for the waves of youth runners, aged between seven and 17.
The first wave of boys aged between seven and eight set off at 12.30pm, with the last wave of teens aged between 13 and 17 due to start at 3.50pm.
Speaking on the start line, Amanda said: “I think these events are so important because it gives the kids something to aim for.
The first wave of girls on the start line (Image: The Argus)
“It gets them out, it gets them off social media, off their phones.
“It’s a lovely day.
“It gets them out in the sunshine, in the nice weather.
A wave of boys on the start line (Image: The Argus)
“But it’s also the start of hopefully a healthy life. If they like stuff like this, they’re more likely to carry on doing healthy stuff like this and that’s really important.
“It also gives them a little sense of competitiveness but they know it’s not just about winning, it’s about taking part as well.”
A wave of boys aged seven to eight warm up for the youth race (Image: The Argus)
When asked if she had a message for the young runners today, she said: “Have fun, have lots of fun in the sunshine.”
Amanda’s wife, Caroline, is taking part in the Brighton Half Marathon tomorrow, March 1.
Caroline is feeling “a little bit nervous”, Amanda said, due to suffering with a cold recently, but she has “trained really hard”.
“She’s never done anything this far before,” Amanda said, “but I’ll be rooting for her and all her friends will be rooting for her and she will get carried along by the wave of support and the other runners so she’ll be fine.”
Rockinghorse Children’s Charity is the official charity partner of the Brighton Half Youth Race.
Warm ups at the start line of the youth race were led by students from Brighton Girls.
Students from Brighton Girls led the warm ups (Image: The Argus)
Brighton Half Marathon will start on Hove promenade tomorrow with the wheelchair race at 9.28am, followed by the main race at 9.30am.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Brighton Half Marathon
This year’s race starter is singer Olly Alexander.
Olly said: “It’s an honour to be asked to officially start the Altra Brighton Half Marathon.
“Then I’ll be jumping straight into the race to join Team Beacon. I can’t wait.
“I’ve fallen in love with the charity and the work they do, which is so important and vital for the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV.”
Some 10,000 runners, both beginners to the distance and seasoned half marathoners, are expected to take part.
The Sussex Beacon, a Brighton based charity providing specialist support and care for people living with HIV, is the main beneficiary of the race.
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