Brighton half marathon is a little hilly in places but a great course. This year was a nice sunny day with no wind and so a good chance of getting a PB..
I decided to go by train as I knew that the walk down from the station would be a good stretch to walk to bag drop before the run.
Getting in the start pens I was in the 2 hour to 2 hr 15 mins slot, so behind what I had actually planned to as I took my friend’s place. I started off and it was quite busy and trying to get passed the 2 hour pacer so it took me to after 10k point to get passed him. Once I’d managed to get passed I then plodded on with good stride and kept the pace that I had wanted from the start, so I knew I was in for a PB at Brighton if I continued steadily.
The run starts at Maderia drive before turning right towards Ovingdean where you get great views of the cliff tops before heading back on yourself towards the Palace Pier. Then the race heads north and goes up past the Royal Pavilion and round and back down to the seafront again. Mile 7 you hit the Grand Hotel where there are loads of supporters cheering you on, which helps keeping you motivated. Turning at Hove lagoon, you know it’s only a park run back to the finish line and that was when I knew I could get my PB if I carried on.
Once I was on the home stretch I focused on the finish line to get this PB of which finished at 1 hr 55 mins and 15 seconds which I was pleased about. The post run massage was gratefully received and then I walked back to the station to catch the train home.
Super run and next year I will enter again and get another PB I hope.
