Brighton is one of my most favourite places in the world. It also happens to be the place where I was inspired to take up running in the 1st place after watching people tackle the 3rd ever Brighton Marathon. Brighton Marathon also became my first marathon (and was supposed to be my last too!).

When planning my year of challenges (at least a race a month to raise money for the Bromley by Bow Centre, east London community organisation) I knew that Brighton Half had to be on there. I was so excited to race again in Brighton!

It was the perfect race weekend – the Mr and I headed to Brighton on the Saturday afternoon, checked into a gorgeous little air bnb apartment (I am usually super organised and book the Ibis near the station) near Preston Park and wandered into town for a look round the Lanes and some dinner.

On the day of the race it was so great to be able to walk down to the race start instead of stressing over early morning trains! I am a bit of an early bird (in fact the thought of being late makes me really anxious) – it was a good job I am as the walk down to the entrance to the starting pens is realllllyyyyyyyy long and if you need to drop a bag you are easily looking at a 20 min walk back to the starting pens.

TOP TIP: As ever start line loo situation is always a drama but with this half don’t stop at the first set of portaloos you see if you keep walking to the start pens there are LOADS of loos and no queues. Finally a race which understands the need for MILLIONS of loos at the start line.

There was a great atmosphere at the race – running across the start line to a confetti cannon was AWESOME, there were loads of people cheering and the route along the seafront was gorgeous. Fellow runners were fab – not that many had headphones in which always makes me happy – and plenty were happy to chat.

Sorry to talk Loos again but this was the first race where I actually needed to wee during it – I blame the cold – and was desperately looking for a portaloo the whole time with no luck. Men were dashing off to pee alongside the road plus a few brave ladies (I say brave because it was bloomin freezing and there was no way I was getting my bum out if I could help it). Since reading Lissy’s race report I have since realised that there were a couple of loos on the route but honestly I cannot emphasise how much race organisers shouldn’t underestimate the need for many many loos during races.

I managed to get a little PB (1min) but considering I was running for pure joy and only realised I was near a PB at mile 12 (hence a slight sprint for the last mile to secure that 1min PB) I am pretty chuffed with that. I felt strong and enjoyed the whole route.

The medal is HUGE (always a bonus) and I celebrated my PB with sausage and chips on the seafront (when in Brighton, hey!).

I would run this race again, I love Brighton and its residents who give races such a carnival atmosphere.

Did you run Brighton Half? I would love to hear your thoughts!