With its backdrop of sun sea and sand, it’s bustling town and its reputation as the one of the fastest courses in the country its easy to see why over 12000 runners flocked to the seaside resort of Brighton to take part in the 12th running of this marathon.
This year two of our gents and absolute legends made the journey across the Solent to take part in this hugely popular event. Marathon extraordinaire Steve Hickman was making this his 12th time of running, and as a special member of the Brighton Marathon (his reward for having run the race every single time since it first began) he received his number ahead of the big day.
“Because I’m special I get my number in the post” said Steve. And let’s not forget that he also gets to stand in the special “members area” before the start of the race. A privilege well earned!
The other red white and blue hero joining Steve on the start line was our absolute gent of a runner, Peter Hudson who was returning to the course after running it the previous year.
Starting at Preston Park, the course snakes its way through the city, before heading out to Ovingdean. Our runners then made their way back towards the pier knowing that the next time they see it, they’ll be at mile 26.
Continuing along the seafront they reach the halfway point before throwing a right turn into Hove. After about 4 miles they then emerge back onto the seafront and out to the dreaded power station at Southwick. From there the welcome sights of Hove lawns take the runners back along the Kingsway with the mirage of the Pier that never seems to get any closer and the all important finish line dangling in front of them like a carrot.
Well the Pier did get closer, as did the finish line and both of our chaps crossed it like the superstars that they are.
Steve brought it home first making that marathon number 173!!! He later said of his run “I was nowhere near my best but happy with it as on Tuesday I couldn’t run or put weight on my right foot. I suppose I’ll be back again next year. Having run all of the Brighton Marathons to date.”
Absolutely stellar work Mr Hickman!
Peter later made it a full house for the Road Runners, finishing like the absolute trooper he is. All of those months of training and commitment to club nights had served him well as he finished the course a minute quicker than he had the previous year giving himself a great new course PB.
Well done to both of you, we are of course, and as always, incredibly proud of you both.
Steve Hickman 4:42:12
Peter Hudson 6:37:50
