For the first time this year, the popular free-to-enter event was made open to everybody and people of all ages and abilities took the opportunity to complete a mile around Preston Park.
The event was started by the six-timeParalympic gold medallist David Weir and included two sold-out family waves, plus miles for adults, children and community groups. Everyone who completed the Brighton Miles received a medal.
In addition to the mile events, community organisations such as Brighton Table Tennis Club, Nam Yang CommunityClub and VYD Football provided give-it-a-go sessions in the festival zone.
Charlotte Mahon, 38, from Kent, is running the Brighton Marathon tomorrow but took part in the Brighton Miles with her husband and two children today.
She said: “It’s really nice that we were able to take part in event like this as a family and be all together.I’ll be running tomorrow but hopefully this event is the one that will inspire my children.”
Jack Davis, 36, from Brighton, said: “I took part with my son and it was brilliant. I think the change in narrative with sport in getting families involved is so important and I don’t think there is anything more special than doing an event like this alongside your child.”
David Weir, who handed out medals as well as starting several of the mile events, said it was important that events such as the Brighton Miles are made open to all.
He said: “It is very important that everyone is included in events like the Brighton Miles. Nobody should feel like they can’t get out and do something and a mile is a great way for someone to start activity. It was great being here today, seeing so many people enjoying themselves.”
Joe Carter, Event Lead of theBrighton Marathon Weekend, said: “We expanded the Brighton Miles to give everyone the opportunity to be part of this fantastic community event. We want to remove as many barriers as possible to ensure that everyone can enjoy activity and be involved in the Brighton Marathon Weekend.”
Tomorrow [Sunday 7 April], theBrighton Marathon Weekend continues with the BM10K and Brighton Marathon.
The BM10K starts at 08:45 fromHove Lawns. The Brighton Marathon starts in Preston Park with a pilot wheelchair event at 09:45, followed by the mass start at 09:50. Both the BM10K and Brighton Marathon finish at Hove Lawns. The first finishers in the BM10K are due at 09:15 and the first marathon finishers are scheduled to arrive at12:15.
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