Q1. I am coming by car – will there be plenty of free parking?
A1. No we will be providing a Park and Ride scheme for which there will be a nominal fee. Brighton does have parking available but we cannot guarantee where this will be or how much. We recommend using the train or waiting to hear in coming weeks, how our Park & Ride system will work. Alternatively travelling the night prior to the event will give you greater choice.
Q2. I am coming by car on the day will the parking be well signposted.
A2. YES - signs will be provided on the approaches to Brighton & Hove. Brighton Marathon will ensure that all parking areas are well sign posted and there will be marshals to direct you to parking areas. However we once again advise that if you can use public transport to get to the city, this would make your day easier.
Q3. Is there much parking on the seafront?
A3.Most of the city’s seafront stretch (the A259) is part of the course and so all parking along the A259 from the marina in the east, to Southwick in the west, will be halted for the day.
Q4. How much will it cost to park my car for the day?
A4.This is yet to be confirmed and cost will depend on which option you choose: our Park & Ride, the City’s NCP car parks, parking at your hotel, or for example, parking at Gatwick airport (then taking the train).
We know that price is important and will be doing nothing but passing on the costs of providing our Park & Ride scheme. If you park independently, then NCP car parks in the city are not cheap. Parking at railway car parks is free on a Sunday, so we are looking at recommending stations on the periphery of Brighton from where a train can be taken for the final few miles. Driving to Gatwick and getting the Brighton train from there would be a great option – but of course you would have to pay for parking there.
Q5. Will there be a Park and Ride service specifically for the runners, or is there just the normal Sunday bus service?
A5. Park and Ride services will be provided by the Brighton Marathon for a fee - details to be finalised. There will be Sunday service provided by Brighton & Hove buses but we advise there will be restrictions to normal routes due to the marathon. Please see Brighton & Hove buses website at www.buses.co.uk for more information, nearer the time.
Q6. Is the Park and Ride a complimentary service?
A6. NO, there will be a nominal charge for the Park and Ride service.
Q7. Are the hotels putting on their own courtesy buses to the start and from the finish line?
A7. You will need to contact the individual hotels but we are working with VisitBrighton who have a micro site with all the hotel details. Please go to our website’s accommodation section: (https://www.conferencebookings.co.uk/delegate/btnmarathon). Do not depend on your hotel to provide transport before checking. However, the distance from the main seafront hotels to Preston Park (the start) is approximately 1.5 miles – about a 20-25 minute walk.
There will inevitably be a multitude of challenges in staging an event of this size. The “blue light” services of the city are of vital importance and their access across the city simply cannot be compromised. In addition, the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton is a regional centre and both access and egress to the complex must remain as good as usual.
Q8. Do the trains stop at Preston Park or do I need to go into Brighton station.
A8. Trains will be stopping at Preston Park, Brighton & London Road. Each of these are only a few minutes’ walk to the start in Preston Park. Directions and signs will be provided from all stations.
Q9. How far is it to walk from Brighton station to the start, and from the finish – and is this recommended?
A9. From Brighton station to the start in Preston Park, is roughly 10 minutes walk and we will sign post it well. We recommended the train as the best way to get into and out of the city on marathon day due to car/bus/taxi journeys being affected by road closures.
Q10. Is there a Park and Train service?
A10. There will be plenty of parking available at the peripheral stations to Brighton, particularly as it’s early on an April Sunday morning. We are looking at the option of a “marathon special” train from London, but otherwise the standard Sunday train service will provide ample opportunity to travel in to the city centre stations.
Q11. Where is the best place to stay?
A11. Brighton has an array of fabulous 4 and 5 star hotels and some fabulous boutique hotels, plus many B & B’s suitable for all budgets! Please visit www.visitbrighton.com. Just bear in mind when booking, that the start is approximately 1.5 miles inland from The Brighton Pier, and that the finish is a few hundred metres east of The Pier.
Q12. Are you affiliated to any hotels so that I can meet other runners?
A12. We are not affiliated with any hotel directly but please visit www.visitbrighton.com for hotels associated with our event. Alternatively you can visit www.joggingbuddy.com for running partners in your marathon build up.
Q13. What time do I need to get to Preston Park by?
A13. It is advised that you aim to arrive at Preston Park at 7:30am on 18th April. This will give you time to deposit your bags, kit, and valuables. To prepare, warm up and stretch. Please don’t be late.
Q14. Can I walk to Preston Park from the seafront?
A14. The course is brilliant for spectators, although the longest walk anyone should have to undertake is the 1.5 miles from the seafront to the start in Preston Park, or vice-versa. We will be providing route guides for all of the ‘on the day’ entertainment and recommended spectator routes. These will be distributed via the entrants’ race pack, there will be a hand out in The Argus newspaper, and they will be distributed on race day.
Q15. How will I find Preston Park?
A15. Don’t worry. You won’t be able to get lost on the morning of the marathon and signage to the start will be clear to see. If you get lost, follow the noise! Seriously, the start takes over Preston Park, which is due north of The Pier on the A23. Note: driving to Preston Park and parking is not recommended, as there is no official parking in the vicinity. With up to 10,000 runners in the event, please don’t try and be clever and find a back street spot; we will be sign-posting official Brighton marathon parking sites from which we will be laying on a Park & Ride service.
Q16. What do I do when I arrive at Preston Park?
A16. On arrival you will need to deposit your bags, kit, and valuables at our baggage collection point, although we do not recommend leaving valuables in your race day baggage. You will then have time to prepare your timing chip, go to the loo and warm up – without panicking. Then you can take your place in the appropriate start zone, depending on your predicted time (your start number will be colour-coded to assist your finding the right zone).
Q17. Do I need to bring anything like paperwork with me?
A17. It is advised that you prepare all essential race day items you need to bring with you the day before the race .Your running gear of course, your timing chip, and your race number with the important medical information completed on the reverse side; don’t be scrabbling around for a pen half an hour before the gun! You should have tested, in a long run, your race day running shoes and clothing as you should not wear new items on race day without having tried them first. Don’t forget cold/wet weather gear for pre and post race warmth; there’s nothing worse than being cold after a marathon! It is advised to bring an old top/t-shirt/over layer to wear during the final count-down before the start – one that you can throw to one side prior to the gun. All items thrown away will be donated to charity.
If you forget your number and/or timing chip there will be an Information Point that will be able to help you. But please don’t forget anything....!
Q18. Is there anywhere to put my belongings?
A18. We will provide a baggage handling service at which you can deposit your race bag, containing your gear, before the race. Your race number will correlate with your check-in area for baggage. We will ship it to the finish line where you can then relocate your personal items in a system which uses your race number for location.
Q19. How may runners will there be?
A19. Our event is sold out so we are expecting between 9,000 and 10,000 runners on the day. Statistics show that there will be a 20-25% no-show on the day.
Q20. I want to come in fancy dress, is that allowed?
A20. Yes this is allowed of course, but please bear in mind the race day weather conditions and appropriate fluid intake should your fancy dress layers leave you needing extra hydration.
Q21. I am bringing lots of friends. Is there much for them to do whilst I am running?
A21. The beauty of Brighton is that it is such a family orientated city; there will be plenty of on course entertainment – bands, cheering points, etc as well as places to eat and drink. There are over 100 different bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes on the actual route, all of which will be open and excited to have the marathon passing by! We’ll be working with them to ensure the runners have a great day.
Q22. Is the finish line easy for my friends to get to?
A22. The finish line will be located just east of the iconic Brighton Pier. Spectators will be able to line the route into the finish but because of congestion it will be difficult to access the actual finish line.
Q23. Will there be a photographer taking pictures of me as I go through the finish line ? If so where do I buy the pictures from?
A23. We have an official race day photography company taking pictures (www.marathon-photos.com) and all runners will be contacted and informed on how to collect/order pictures. If you’ve entered, you were asked about this during the entry process.
Q24. I am running for a charity! How will I find them on the day to speak to?
A24. If you have registered your race number via the charity there will be a Charity Village at the start in Preston Park. Their representative will be sited there. However please discuss with your charity what arrangements they have made for the day. If you have selected a charity to run for but have entered the event yourself then please speak to your charity and see what their plans are for on the day.
Q25. What do I do if I am injured before the 18th and have to consider pulling out?
A25. The basic advice for any mild injury or “niggle” is ‘r.i.c.e.’ (rest, ice, compression, elevation), but this should not be relied upon for anything other than a slight sprain or ached. For any pain that persists, it is best to consult your local physio to have the injury properly diagnosed – and to prevent a reoccurrence of your injury. Make sure you prepare correctly for the marathon, as they say....”Fail to prepare...prepare to fail!”
Q26. I have an old injury – what if I have problems half way around the course?
A26. We will have full medical care/treatment available to all runners at the start, along the route, and at the finish. We take medical safety of the entrants as of paramount importance. Our medical cover will be provided by St John Ambulance combined with local paramedics, and a team of local paramedics, doctors and physiotherapists.
Q27. What happens if I can’t make it on the day – will my place be deferred till next year?
A27. We will not be rolling over any entries to 2011, but entries for the 2nd Brighton marathon will again be on a first come, first served basis.
Q28. Can my friend run in my place?
A28. We have been accommodating requests of this nature up to the end of October 2009, but now that entries are full – including the top-up in early November, we cannot do this any longer.
Q29. How will I remember the route?
A29. Unless you’re leading ( ! ) this should not be a problem! The traffic free race route will be laid out clearly for all entrants via signs, barriers, route marking and marshals and our team of trained volunteers. Don’t worry you won’t get lost!
Q30. Do you hand out copies of the route to runners / family / friends?
A30. We will provide race day information for everyone prior to and during the event. A course map and spectator advice will be in the packs sent out to runners before the race.
Q31. Where are the hilly parts of the course (miles)?
A31. There are no major climbs during the course, only gradual inclines. Here is one in the first mile, another short hill at 5 miles and a couple around 9-10 miles. After this the course is flat and very fast. To summarise, don’t believe what you hear on the blogs – this is a fast course with stunning views and atmosphere.
Q32. Will there be loos / food / water / energy drinks?
A32. Yes, we will provide all essentials for runners on the day. The safety and well being of each entrant is our number one priority.
Q33. Do I have to bring my charity fundraising on the day?
A33. You will need to speak to your charity directly about how they wish to collect your fundraising, but it is unlikely that many charities will want your cash on the day! If you can collect it before race day, it will help them however.
Q34. I am quite a slow runner. What happens if I don’t finish or it takes me more than 6 hours?
A34. We are negotiating the final road re-opening time, but we have at least six hours. This means that, pro-rata, anyone moving around the course at slower than six hour pace, may be asked to move on to the pavement. Most of the last five miles are not on public roads, so this should not be a problem.
Q35. Are there any celebrity runners.
A35. Yes there will be celebrity runners and of course we will be shouting about them in the traditional manner in the weeks before the race. We cannot confirm exact names at present, but on the day keep an eye out...you will be surprised!
Q36. Is it being broadcast live on TV?
A36. Negotiations are under way, but it is very likely that the event will be televised – if not live, then shown a short while after the event. Details regarding time and channel are yet to be confirmed.
Q37. Is there a half marathon route if I don’t feel up to it on the day?
A37. No....but if you train properly you will be able to not only complete the full 26.2 miles but achieve a great personal accomplishment.
Q38.Can I listen to music as I go around the course?
A38. No. It is considered dangerous to wear headphones or iPods at events of this size. Should there be any blue light services needing to pass you or any emergency messages given out over tannoy systems whilst you are running you will need to be aware of them; therefore we must insist that headphones are not worn.
Q39. Can I bring my dog?
A39. If you mean can your dog run in the race, absolutely not. The day is not for pets, not even the most athletic of dogs!
Q40. Can I roller blade? Or can I walk?
A40. Neither unfortunately. While we know that some people will walk for large chunks of the race, we cannot say it is ok to walk through our entire 26 mile event. Rollerblades are neither appropriate, nor safe and will not be permitted.
Q41. What happens if the weather is bad? How will we know what to do?
A41. Keep an eye from five days out, on the weather forecast so that you have time to prepare all the correct running apparel. Not only to run in, but to warm up in before the race and to wear after the race. We also are working very closely with Heart radio (Sussex) and information will be sent directly to them so that they can broadcast any relevant information. Check our website too in the days and weeks before the event; we’ll be updating it regularly.
Q42. What prizes are there for the winners?
A42. Details to be confirmed.
Q43. Will we get a foil wrap at the end?
A43. Yes all runners will be provided with post race essentials.
Q44. What do we get at the finish line?
A44. A feeling of massive achievement and a pat on the back from the Brighton Marathon team. Along with of course, a great medal, goody bag, drink, and de-chipping experience (don’t worry, it won’t hurt).