I have done Brighton Marathon once. Don’t grass me up but I was offered a number by a member of my running club who was unable to participate so you won’t find my name on the results sheet, but my friend did get a big PB! #Bonus

On the occasion I ran it was extremely windy. I recall we set off at nothing o’clock and were one of the first to arrive for the park n ride which was bizarrely located on a slip road (not sure if this is still the case). The journey in was therefore quiet and we were one of the first to arrive at the start line with gale force winds of up to 50mph sending us for cover.

This is a big city race and there are a lot of people. As the start time approached it became very crowded and a little uncomfortable in truth. I left things too late and struggled to work my way through the crowds to reach my designated starting pen.

The first section of the route was uphill towards the marina and very crowded. It was difficult to pass anyone. In fact I did manage to get pass one runner only to be quicker halted by the next group in front, to which I received some verbal abuse from the dickhead behind for slowing down in front of him (like I had any choice). It was that part of the race that it seemed 10% of the male entries deemed it ok to hop off the route and use the hedge as a toilet. How is that ok?

All I would say is if you’re going for a time or PB, perhaps be cheeky and get yourself in a quicker pen, or at least plan your race to start off slowly as your pace may well be dictated by those around you.

As we turned and headed back West the wind was brutal. The inland section gave us some rest bite but the exposed nature of this route can certainly play a part. It wasn’t until Hove when we finally turned round the conditions were in our favour.

The journey back via the Park N Ride was a long one, I think almost an hour on the bus giving the traffic heading out of town. For me this was a tiring experience and possibly a race I will avoid in future.