More than 8,000 people including hundreds from the UK’s queer community will run the Sussex Beacon Half Marathon this February, raising money to support services dedicated to those living with HIV.
The event, now in its 20th year, will take place in Brighton & Hove on Sunday 21 February from 9.45am with all fundraising profits being donated to the Sussex Beacon - a unique centre based in Brighton providing innovative services to meet the changing needs of men and women living with HIV.
Organisers say the event will provide a fun, vibrant and colourful atmosphere as it weaves its way through the city centre, starting from the seafront to Hove Lawns in the west and Rottingdean in the east, to finishing back where it started on Madeira Drive.
A spokesperson commented: “It is the perfect event to brighten up the city as it heads out of the last stretches of winter. The ‘Beacon Half’ is also turning into a top flight community event with lots of businesses and services from Brighton and Hove getting involved.”
Also taking place on the day is the Sussex Beacon Youth Race, giving children aged between 8 and 16 the experience of running on a major road running course. All runners in the Youth Race will be “chipped time” and receive a medal for finishing, just like the senior race.
The event will also this year give recognition to former Olympic champion Steve Ovett. The athlete and world record holder will be honoured by having the opening mile of the Half Marathon named the “Ovett Mile” after the distance he made famous along with Sebastian Coe in the 1970’s and 80’s.
If you would like to find out more about running or volunteering at the event see www.beaconhalf.org.uk or telephone 01273 645697.