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Brighton Half Marathon: Thousands take part in annual event

BBC/Allison Fearns Runners on Marine Parade, BrightonBBC/Allison Fearns
The 13.1-mile route takes in some of the city's best-known sights

Thousands of runners have taken part in the annual Brighton Half Marathon.

Sunday's event was the 34th race to be held in the city.

Former Wales rugby captain and HIV campaigner Gareth Thomas officially started the race, which is organised by local charity The Sussex Beacon.

Several road closures were in place from Wharf Road to Roedean Road between 08:00 and 14:00 GMT. The race, which began at 09:30, started and ended on Madeira Drive.

The 13.1-mile route takes in some of the city's best-known sights, including Brighton Palace Pier, the Royal Pavilion and the colourful beach huts of Hove.

BBC/Allison Fearns TV personality James Argent and comedian Zoe LyonsBBC/Allison Fearns
TV personality James Argent and comedian Zoe Lyons were among the celebrities taking part

The event has been described by organisers as one of the first major half-marathons in the running calendar.

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

BBC/Nathalie Edell Runner with a washing machine on his backBBC/Nathalie Edell
One runner was raising money for charity by carrying a washing machine around the course

The event also featured a wheelchair race, a charity relay race and a one-mile youth race,

More than 10,000 people took part in last year's Brighton Half Marathon.

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