The Altra Brighton Half Marathon is delighted to announce BAFTA-nominated actor and award-winning singer/songwriter, Olly Alexander, as the official race starter of the half marathon. The Altra Brighton Half Marathon and Yeomans Toyota Wheelchair Race will take place on Sunday, March 1st with the Youth Races taking place the day before on Saturday, February 28th.

Olly Alexander said: “It’s an honor to be asked to officially start the Altra Brighton Half Marathon! Then I’ll be jumping straight into the race to join Team Beacon, I can’t wait !  I’ve fallen in love with the charity and the work they do, which is so important and vital for the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV.”

During race weekend more than 10,000 runners are expected to flock to Brighton and Hove to enjoy the fast, flat 13.1mile seafront course. Participants will be joined on the start line by other well-known faces including Chris Oliver (SAS Who Dares Wins) and Zoe Lyons (Comedian and TV Presenter). Amanda from Season 4 of The Traitors will also be welcoming runners to Team Beacon. The half marathon starts on Hove Lawns before winding its way around some of Brighton’s most iconic sites including the Brighton Palace Pier, DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, the Royal Pavilion, the West Pier, i360, Brighton Marina and the colourful Hove Beach Huts.

Olly is running for Team Beacon, The Sussex Beacon Hospice’s challenge event group, who have a record number of runners this year, aiming to beat 2025’s fundraising total of over £120,000. The race is organised by Laine8 Events, and is the single biggest annual fundraiser for The Sussex Beacon Hospice. Overall the race raises over £1 million, (including gift aid) for many charities across Sussex and the UK each year.

Hundreds of junior runners aged 7-17 are expected to take on the 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. The Youth Races are supported by Brighton Girls and Rockinghorse Children’s Charity is the official charity partner.

Although general places are sold out, charity places, are still available via the Brighton Half Marathon website, whilst Youth Race entries can be accessed here. Every year the race welcomes the support of more than 450 volunteers who give up their time to help with course marshalling, drink stations, baggage facilities and handing out medals and goody bags. Volunteers can sign up here.

Visit the Altra Brighton Half Marathon website for more information, to sign up to race or volunteer and follow the race on Facebook, Instagram and X for all the latest news #BrightonHalfMarathon #HappiestHalf.

The race is supported by race partners Altra Running, Yeomans Toyota, Runna, Bagelman, HIGH5, RunBrighton, DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, Lancing College and Prep, JustGiving, Roedean, Boundless Snacking and media partner BBC Sussex.

Check out the Laine8Events RIA Member profile here  .