Gareth Thomas named as Brighton Half Marathon official starter

Former Wales rugby captain and HIV campaigner Gareth Thomas has been named the official starter of this year's Brighton Half Marathon.

Thousands of runners are expected to take part in the 34th annual event on 25 February organised by local HIV charity, The Sussex Beacon.

In 2009, he became one of the first high profile sportsmen in the world to come out as gay while still playing.

Ten years later he announced he was living with HIV.

He has since launched a UK-wide Tackle HIV campaign to help others with prejudice surrounding HIV.

"I am delighted to be supporting the Brighton Half Marathon which raises vital funds for local HIV charity The Sussex Beacon, an organisation which provides specialist care and support for people living with HIV and their families," he said.

In 2023 Mr Thomas settled a legal dispute with an ex-partner who accused him of "deceptively" transmitting HIV to him.

Ian Baum alleged Mr Thomas hid his HIV status and "failed to take reasonable care" to ensure he did not pass it on. The former British and Irish Lion said he had settled the case for £75,000 plus costs, but it was not an admission of liability or guilt.

Last year's Brighton Half Marathon attracted more than 10,000 runners who took to the city's streets, raising money for over 20 charities including The Sussex Beacon, Alzheimer's Society, Macmillan, and Grassroots Suicide Prevention.

Organisers said this year's event will also feature a wheelchair race, a charity relay race and a one-mile youth race, which will be started by DJ and presenter Woody Cook.

Mr Thomas, who won 100 caps for Wales and captained both his country and the British & Irish Lions, said: "Brighton is an incredible city; I am really looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere on race day."

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