Brighton Half Marathon apologises over '˜short' course

Brighton half marathon. Photo by Derek MartinBrighton half marathon. Photo by Derek Martin
Brighton half marathon. Photo by Derek Martin
An investigation has confirmed that the Brighton Half Marathon course has been 146 metres short for the last three years, organisers said.

The race has attracted thousands of runners each year since it first started in 1990, and organised by HIV charity The Sussex Beacon, it now raises cash for dozens of charities.

This year’s race took place on Sunday, February 26, but organisers said it was contacted by UK Athletics following concerns regarding the length of this year’s course and the course in 2015 and 2016.

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UK Athletics’ concerns, organisers said, centred around GPS data. It has since emerged that the ‘area of concern’ was just after mile 4, where the course passes Roedean School before turning and heading back towards Brighton.

Brighton half marathon. Photo by Derek MartinBrighton half marathon. Photo by Derek Martin
Brighton half marathon. Photo by Derek Martin

Organisers said ‘the eastern turning point has been positioned incorrectly over the last three half marathons, resulting in a shortfall in the overall half marathon distance’.

It meant the course has been 146 metres - or 0.09 miles - short for the past three races.

Michael Newton, who ran the half marathon in 2015 said that the news was ‘quite surprising for one of the biggest races.’

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He said although it wouldn’t stop him running the race again, he added: “It is a shame for everyone who might be questioning their personal bests now.