Marathon 16: Big Crowds in Brighton

Brighton Marathon was our first 'official' marathon, and I couldn't wait! However the lead-in was far from smooth. Four days in Dublin for work, a chickenpox outbreak at home, and so a solo trip down to London on Saturday. A reminder that the toughest part of this challenge is often the logistics and time away, not the running itself.

The weekend absolutely delivered though. A great evening with Bobby, Clemmie and Felix, and another classic pre-race pasta party. Bobby was a mix of excitement and nerves, which felt about right.

Race day was something else. An incredible event with 21,000 runners, huge crowds, and proper big race energy. After months of quiet country lanes, it felt special, and at times quite emotional, to be part of something like that. The support was relentless. Sunshine helped, although the coastal breeze added a bit of bite, especially when it turned in our faces.

We set off sensibly and hit halfway around 2:05. Bobby looked strong early on but by mile 16, as we dropped back towards the seafront, things began to change. The wind eased, the sun came out, and it suddenly got hot. Conversation levels dropped (which is saying something), and it became clear we were entering full grit mode. The predicted grumpiness was loading...

We may have slightly underdone hydration, so a few miles of recovery followed. Out came the squashies, deployed at highly scientific 30-second intervals. A bit of sugar, some fluids, and slowly but surely some colour returned to Bobby’s face. No complaints, no drama, just head down and getting it done. Stubbornness in the best way!

The crowds through Hove were brilliant and carried us through a quieter stretch as the miles ticked by. At 24 miles, we turned onto the promenade with the finish finally in sight. One last push, a lift in pace, and we brought it home for Phoebe, Baby Brown, the Marathons for Miracles community, and for Tommy's.

Huge credit to Bobby. A seriously impressive effort and pace for someone who only started running properly last year. The grit, the quiet determination, and the ability to keep moving forward sums it up. Add in the fundraising and it’s properly inspiring. Privileged to share the miles with him.

Brighton done. Nottinghamshire followed by London (Middlesex) next.