How I ran my Brighton Marathon April 2026

Yes it is possible to run a marathon with no formal training plan, no coach, no special diet or expensive equipment.

This is what I ran in. It was what I had been training in and they say don't make any adjustments that you haven't trained in. But you'll see from the photo's it was a hot day and within one mile of setting off, I found toilets and stepped off to jsut the running vest. Thankfully there was no rubbing or chaffing.

There was a 3.5 mile walk to the start line from the camp site near the Marina to Preston Park. it turned out to be the best warm up for me. A chance for my breakfast to be digested and to enjoy a coffee as well as walking familiar routes as I'd done as child towards the viaduct in the background to London Road where my mums family used to live.

On arrival it was windy and raining and I wore my hat and had a disposable plastic rain mac. At the start there was a clothing bin for SHELTER where I dropped my hat.

I met up with a woman in the toilet queue who had run the Brighton Maraton before who gave me a few tips for the race.

The first group went at 9.45am and they called us in waves. I was in wave 8 and we set off at 10.47pm. There was a chip built into the bib that was activated as we crossed the start and I also activated the app at the same time so family and friends could follow my progress and for Peter and my friend Jenny to be able to see me on route which gave me an amazing boost to hear my name being called and get a hug.

The toilets became pretty grim as the race went on. This was my second stop around 4 miles in.

At this point mile 6 I was still running and very much enjoying myself. I had a clothing malfunction and knew I was seeing Peter at the 8 mile mark.

I saw my friend Jenny with her husband around this point. shortly afterwards the route went uphill then out onto the sea front and the wind and sun was vicious. At mile 7-8 I slowed down and walked and ate and ran a bit until I got to Peter to hand over my jacket and running top and get a drink.

And this was the part of the run I was dreading the most. We'd travelled it on the bus on the Friday. 2 miles out and 2 miles back. No crowds. At the round about a run in land then up the last hill to the windmill and back to the half way point.

There was another loop on Marina Parade and a shoe/sock malfunction followed by a mile to Hove where the 6 hour 30 min pacer caught up with me and there was no way she was going past me and I had a boost of speed. I threw my bum bag at Peter as I had finished my snacks. The 4 miles round Hove saw me run/walk from lamp post to lamp post. A colleague in work who is running the London and Sydney Marathon this year said he could tell I was really digging in at this point. 

It took forever to run round the lagoon for the last 2 miles and past the beach huts and that's when the emotion kicked in, when I remembered why I was doing this at the ripe old age of 54 with 26 weeks of preparation. Stephanie.

I could hear Peter yelling my name and I found the last bit of energy I had. I never once doubted myself that mentally I was capable of this, but physically I was starting to question my abilities.

After crossing the line and collecting my medal, I was given some water, protein yogurt, a t shirt and found Peter.

Peter carried this bag with him for the day, plus he had my jacket which I put back on as I was really cold once I stopped running.

I had my snacks, drink, took my trainers and socks off and put on fresh socks and my crocs. I could hardly move. I just lay on the grass for about 20 minutes.

So do I have any secrets and tips to share with you?

Yes.

I wrote down the water stations mile points as well as the refill stations and toilet stops on the inside of my bib so I could refer to them during the run.

The previous day I'd done a parkrun and had skipped breakfast and hadn't warmed up. DON'T DO THAT.

Don't do anything new on race day that you haven't done before. I ran with the laminate pinned to my back. It was fine when I was running, but when I tied my jacket round my waist it was a pain. My bum bag and jacket tying didn't fit with how my bib had to be pinned on my front. I'd covered the toes and part of my feet with combed plasters where I knew I'd had problems in the past.

Take tissues for the toilets and hand sanitiser.

What I ate and drank. I'd not tried these gels that runners use. I stuck to my ham sandwich, banana, crisps and snack bars and sweets, washed down with gaviscon. I carried this in my bumbag. I ate the banana and a snack bag before the race started.

Things I didn't use or I'd do differently although there won't be a next time.

• I didn't use the headphones but next time I'd make sure I used them on parts of the route where there weren't any crowds.
• The refillable water bottle. it didn't get used.
• I wouldn't wear the long sleeve running top. I still wear the cardigan/jacket as I'm used to running with it tied round my waist, but I wouldn't laminate the picture/story, I'd have it printed on the back instead and keep it with me. 
• The bum bag works. No mints in future, didn't eat them and only had 1 snack bar, each time I've been out I've only eaten 1.
• I didn't activate Strava and I don't care. I'm more than happy with the official time and distance.
• I would have my name printed on the front of my shirt
• I would take more photos and videos especially at the finish line.