A Marathon in Brighton ?
Since late 2007, events have moved on in regard to the planned Marathon event around the city of Brighton & Hove, which it was hoped could be staged in April 2009. The Grounded Events Company (GEC) who initiated the proposal, remain focused on delivering an event of the highest quality and acknowledge that this can only happen when the city is both able to accommodate the influx of visitors that such an event would inevitably bring, as well accept the unavoidable adjustments to the transport network and other city services that would have to be able to function acceptably while the event was taking place.
After a January 2008 meeting of the city’s Leadership, and a face to face meeting with City Council representatives in mid February, the GEC has accepted that a 2009 event is not in the best interests of the city and its’ inhabitants. However, frustrating this may be, it has been decided that due to a variety of adverse factors already compromising the city’s day to day transport network, which will themselves continue throughout 2008 and well in to 2009, staging an event such as a Marathon, which would require significant road closures for periods of the day in a number of locations in the city, would simply not be possible.
With a target entry total of 12,000 in the first year, a mass-participant Marathon race will bring enormous economic benefits to the city, with two to three times that number of visitors anticipated as a result and will focus the sporting spotlight on the city in a unique way. Brighton is a fabulously energetic and dynamic city from a number of perspectives, not the least of which is its’ ability to stage big events and welcome the resulting visitors year after year with a smiling face.
It is the combination of excellent transport links, a warm welcome, ample attractions and international standard facilities that make Brighton & Hove such an ideal venue for Britain’s No.2 Marathon to be staged – and that status, becoming the UK’s second biggest Marathon, is what the GEC aspire to.
Work will therefore continue in regard to establishing relationships with a number of critical city bodies, both public and private sector, in coming months. A great Course through the city is a must, though the GEC remain firm in the belief that the city’s hills are too big to seriously consider taking the race route over, which leaves relatively few options.
What ever your status if you have an opinion on the above, please email us and let us know your thoughts. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence and we will endeavour to respond to all enquiries as quickly as possible.
Additionally, if you have any enquiries about the planned Brighton Marathon, please email info@brightonmarathon.co.uk
Thank you for your interest.
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