The big news from the Altra Brighton Half Marathon – on Sunday 2 March 2025 – is the new headline sponsor and that comedian and actor Joe Wilkinson – regularly seen at the Brighton & Hove parkrun – will be the official race starter.

Every year the Altra Brighton Half Marathon raises over £1 million for several charities across Sussex and the UK and is the single biggest annual fundraiser for The Sussex Beacon charity, who remain the main beneficiary of the event.

Brighton resident Joe Wilkinson said: “I’m really looking forward to starting this year’s Brighton Half Marathon and then being beaten by about 99% of those runners. The Sussex Beacon is a wonderful charity and it’s an honour to support them in any way I can.”

Altra is the new headline sponsor, signing a three-year deal to support the race. Altra Running was founded in the US, aiming to unleash human potential by inspiring the world to move more naturally. With their unique 'FootShape' Toe Box and Zero to Low Drop, Altra's shoes are designed to provide you with a comfortable running experience on all terrains.

The Altra team said: "This exciting collaboration brings together our shared passion for running and community, and we can't wait to support and inspire all the amazing participants in this iconic event. We are committed to contributing to the success of the Brighton Half Marathon by providing innovative and comfortable products and fostering a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere for all runners. We’ll also be bringing an array of local and UK talent to join us on race day.”

The Brighton Half organisers said: “It's incredibly exciting to announce that Altra will be our new headline sponsor for the next three years. With an amazing back story and a genuine passion for the outdoors, Altra embodies the sense of community running that Brighton Half Marathon is all about. It is an exciting partnership which will help us in our mission to ensure the Brighton Half is always moving forward!”

Although places for the 35th Altra Brighton Half Marathon are sold out, 7-17 year olds can still sign up for the Youth Race on Saturday, 1st March 2025, with hundreds of junior runners tackling the one-mile challenge on Hove Lawns. The chip-timed race is open to all abilities and participants will receive a technical T-shirt and medal plus prizes for the first three runners in each age category.

To find out more go to the Brighton Half Marathon website.

Previous results and reports are at the runABC South race listing.

Photo courtesy Helen Jones for Brighton Half Marathon