By Frederika Cook
More than 1,500 runners ranging from beginner to elite took to the start line for the inaugural Bright10 run on Hove Lawns.
The first 10-mile race to hit the city started at 9am today (Sunday 18 October) and took runners along the seafront before heading around Old Steine and into Marine Parade.
Once at Brighton Marina, runners then returned and completed the circuit along King’s Road, where some road closures were in force.
Hove driver Elizabeth Hibberd, 39, said: “Any event that raises money for charity is good and anyone that drives around here knows alternate routes anyway.
“I think the seafront looks best when it’s busy with people at an event like this.”
Participants were fortunate to be running on a clear morning, with some cloud coverage.
Kat Day, 34, who came from London, said: “Today was perfect running weather as there was no wind.
“Running by the sea is such a treat for me and Brighton is so beautiful!”
Will Drury, 35, from Crawley, who was running in support of the Olive Tree Trailblazers, said: “Today was my first 10-mile run though I did complete the Brighton Marathon in April. The race today was good until the sun came out.”
Competitors were a mixture of professional athletes aiming to improve on their personal best times and those just wanting to do their best for charity.
Partners of the event were the mental health charity Mind in Brighton and Hove and Canine Partners.
Mind director Sarah Danily, 56, said: “We are so proud to have 24 runners fundraising for Mind and are pleased to have been chosen as a partner charity.
“All day the atmosphere has been relaxed and it is the perfect space to promote positive mental wellbeing to the public.”
The smooth-running of the event was also helped by a large team of volunteers, with 50 members of Hove running club The Run Squad lending a hand.
The club’s organiser Nick Rivett, 36, a sports shop owner, said: “We are so proud to support the first local Brighton 10-mile event and happy to pitch in where we can.
“We have 50 volunteers here today and are enjoying the morning.”
The men’s race winner was Ugandan Ben Siwa with a time of 47 minutes and 4 seconds. The first woman was Kenyan Lenah Jerotich who finished in 55 minutes and 58 seconds. Both won the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday 4 October.
One of the race directors Gavin Stephens, 38, said: “We want people to go home and remember this as a most memorable event.
“Our first year couldn’t have gone any better. A big thank you to all of our volunteers from Bear-Patrol, Strutt & Parker, Run Squad, BOSH Run, Select Security and Stewarding Ltd, Canine Partners, Mind in Brighton and Hove and all the individuals assisting on the event.
“We’re expecting it to just keep growing.”
Runners and others wanting to get involved next year will soon be able to register their interest via the Bright10 website at www.bright10.co.uk.
Another great event for the City and a fantastic turnout on the day and something for those participating to be proud of. I wasn’t sure what it was about until I read this as there’s always lots going on on Hove Lawns. 10 miles is a bit more accessible than a full marathon and hopefully it will grow year on year moving forwards…I may consider entering myself!
We were also there giving support so why not get a mention????!!!!we are an established running group with over 150 members.we also got our picture in the argus.I am the social secretary and I am putting this complaint on behalf of the club members.we feel its not right that the BRIGHTON and Hove women’s running club DID NOT get a mention!!!!?
Congratulations on the success of the inaugural Bright10. As I was running, I was amazed at the amount of fantastic volunteers around the course. The ladies of Brighton and Hove Women’s Running club had a fantastic day both as runners and volunteers and look forward to supporting you again next year.
Hi Cheryl,
My apologies for inadvertently angering you with this omission. The piece was written by a journalism student, who I think did a good job, but clearly she didn’t manage to speak to you on the day. We don’t generally list all clubs which had members taking part for news pieces like this, but I’m happy to include a link to the results page, which lists all the many clubs taking part.
Hi,thankyou for replying to me,my post probably came over as a bit zealous i was only trying to support our club as I’ve been a member for a couple of years and we never got a mention. thankyou for putting in the link and I do apologise.