Set to become a firm favourite in the marathon diary, the Brighton Marathon is a new and popular spring marathon in and around the picturesque city of Brighton.

Right To Play are proud to be a part of the Brighton Marathon for the third year running in 2012 and invite you to join our team. 

Lucy MacAlister is an elite long distance runner, and a new mother. As well as being one of the UK’s top female marathon runners, she came second in the 2011 Brighton Marathon despite unusually high temperatures and difficult running conditions. Lucy says,

 'After making my return to competitive running shortly after having my daughter Ella in April 2010 racing for Right To Play at the Royal Parks Half in October, I decided on the Brighton Marathon for my return to the Marathon distance in April. As an elite runner it is too often easy to forget the thousands that are racing for charity, but the Brighton Marathon is unique in the number of times the course doubles back on itself allowing all runners to experience the huge efforts and atmosphere of so many who run in support of the charities that are closest to their hearts. As a mum now as well as professional runner I have found myself drawn closer to the work of children’s charities and in particular Right To Play; I am reminded on a daily basis of the opportunities both developmentally, socially and physically that would not be available to thousands of children across the world were it not for the fantastic programmes that Right To Play has established. Every child has the right to the opportunities that sport has provided me, and running the Brighton Marathon for Right To Play offers you the chance to achieve new personal goals while supporting their work. The event itself is superbly organised and offers wonderful crowd support along the seafront to see you through 26.2 miles and comes highly recommended to elite and first time runners alike!' 

Read Lucy’s blog online at http://www.runningwithus.com/lucymacalister/

Join us on the day and receive a running vest, great training support from Olympic athletes, top fundraising ideas and – best of all – a warm VIP charity reception on the day of the race (which includes charity-only toilet facilities!). We value your support, and will thank you with goody bags, food, cold drinks, and a place to meet up with your supporters after the race. There are two ways to run for Right To Play:

Golden Bond Place Runners

Register for a place with Right To Play by clicking filling out the application form. It costs £45 for the place and we ask for a fundraising pledge of £650.

 Application Form

Own Place Runners

If you have your own place, why not join our team. You will receive the same benefits as a Golden Bond and your fundraising will have a direct impact on children’s lives. For example:

• £20 – provides regular, weekly sport and play activity for one child for one year
• £160 – can provide training for one coach in Right To Play resources, meaning we can reach thousands of children a year

Simply email the team on redballclub@righttoplay.com or call us on 0207 812 0635. You will receive the training and fundraising support, running vest and goody bag as well as knowing that your fundraising will reach children in countries as far as China, Peru and Ghana.

The Race

The race route will take in the best of the city centre and fabulous stretches of coastal road, including panoramic views that you’d expect where the glorious South Downs meet the English Channel.

Generally, it is a fast course, held exclusively on roads and tarmac promenade. The entire route will be free of traffic but lined with supporters cheering you around the course. Despite the hills in Brighton the course has only a few undulations in the route, principally in the first half of the race, while the second half is largely flat along the sea front. The Finish is in Madeira Drive, just east of the famous Brighton Pier. Last year the last mile was packed with cheering spectators.

At the finish line we will greet you in our VIP area with refreshments and your goody bag to congratulate you on your achievement – whether this is your first full marathon race or you have just achieved a personal best.
For more information about the event, visit the http://brightonmarathon.co.uk/

Fundraising

All of our Golden Bond runners are asked to aim for £650 sponsorship, and we will help you to achieve this with fundraising tips and ideas. Own place runners are also encouraged to raise as much as you can so that we can work towards our goal of reaching over one million children regularly throughout the year. We will send you our fundraising booklet once you have signed up, and we are here to help with any fundraising events you are organising.