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Thousands hit the streets for half-marathon

Josh McLaughlin,in Brightonand
James McCarthy,BBC South East
Josh McLaughlin/BBC Olly Alexander waves a black and white checked flag at the start line of the Brighton Half Marathon 2026. He is wearing a blue hoodie which says 'The Sussex Beacon'.Josh McLaughlin/BBC
The race was started by singer and actor Olly Alexander

Thousands of runners wound their way around Brighton in the city's half-marathon on Sunday.

The race was started by Olly Alexander, with the singer and actor then joining other runners on the 13.1-mile (21km) seafront course.

The star, who represented the UK at Eurovision in 2024, said he was excited but nervous for his first half-marathon.

"The training's been challenging but I've enjoyed myself," he said.

Josh McLaughlin/BBC Five men dressed in cow costumes during the Brighton Half Marathon 2026. They were medals around their necks which rest above the udders on their stomachs.Josh McLaughlin/BBC
One group of friends ran dressed as a herd of cows

"I've gotten to about 16, 17km but I've saved the rest for today," said Alexander.

Former detective and contestant on the fourth series of The Traitors, Amanda Collier, who lives in Brighton, said her wife was running.

She said: "It's the first time she's done a half-marathon. It's a big, big thing for her today."

Josh McLaughlin/BBC Amanda Collier stands at the barricade in the crowd near the starting line of the Brighton Half Marathon 2026. She is wearing a vibrant beanie with a logo displaying 'Chicago 5K' on the front. She beams a smile at the camera.Josh McLaughlin/BBC
Amanda Collier, a contestant in the fourth series of The Traitors, said her wife was running on Sunday

Gladiators stars Jamie Bigg, also known as Giant, and Jodie Ounsley, or Fury, were also taking part.

Bigg said while the weather was bad the atmosphere was not, adding: "It's amazing."

Ounsley said: "Everyone seems really lovely. Brighton is a great place to run together."

John Jones, running with his friends dressed in cow costumes, said they were hoping to achieve a Guinness World Record for "fastest herd of cows".

Allison Ferns/BBC Maisie Trafford holds her daughter, Mila, in her arms after crossing the finish line. Maisie wears the finishing medal around her neck after being the first woman to cross the line.Allison Ferns/BBC
Maisie Trafford was "quite euphoric" after winning the women's race

Others took things more seriously, with Maisie Trafford feeling "quite euphoric" after winning the women's race, finishing in one hour, 17 minutes and 32 seconds.

"I was sat in fourth for about seven miles and then at mile seven, I thought 'let's go', she said.

"I got a massive PB [personal best], I'm buzzing."

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