Brighton Marathon organisers hail 'new era'
10,000 runners took to the city's streets at the weekend
The organisers of the Brighton Marathon have hailed a "new era" after 10,000 people took part in races as new owners took over following the event going into administration.
London Marathon Events took over the race, which launched in 2010, after administrators were called in by previous owners Grounded Events - which had been unable to pay its debts, including prize money to some previous winners.
More than 7,000 people completed the marathon after RuPaul's Drag Race stars Alfie Ordinary and Joe Black got the runners, who were supporting 130 charities, under way on Sunday morning.
Hugh Brasher, event director of the Brighton Marathon Weekend, said:
"When London Marathon Events took on the Brighton Marathon Weekend, we knew it was a special set of events, but today has surpassed our expectations.
"The Brighton Marathon and BM10K are a true celebration of activity and this incredible city of Brighton.
"To see so many people on the streets and at our new finish area at Hove Lawns, cheering on thousands of participants throughout the day, many of them raising crucial funds for charities, has been a special experience.
"We are already looking forward to how we can build on this and make the Brighton Marathon Weekend even more spectacular in future years."
The first person across the line at the 2023 Brighton Marathon was 22-year-old Marshall Smith from Ashford AC, making his marathon debut, who finished more than 12 minutes ahead of the field in a time of 2:24:07.
He said:
"The crowd was absolutely electric all the way around the course and they really got me through."
The first female finisher was Helen Reid, who finished in 2:55:11. She said:
"It was a total surprise. I had a little injury coming into today so I was not expecting this. It was a great event with fantastic support."