Marathon weekend to start with inclusive park event

Paralympic gold medallist David Weir will launch the event on Saturday

The event director for Brighton Marathon has said the weekend will commence with an inclusive "community event for all".

The free-to-enter Brighton Miles event on Saturday will allow people of different ages and abilities to take part in a one-mile trek around the city's Preston Park.

Joe Carter said: "The Brighton Miles are bright, exciting and celebrate the creativity and diversity of the city."

The event will be launched by Paralympic gold medallist David Weir and will take place ahead of the annual 26.2 mile (42.1km) marathon on Sunday.

'About the community'

Brighton Miles was formerly known as the Mini Mile, which was created for children and young people to get involved with the Brighton Marathon.

The event has now been re-launched and includes adults.

Mr Carter said: "Everyone can take part and participate however they like - whether that’s walking, running, jogging."

Some of the waves of runners taking part in the event will be adults-only, or women and girls or neurodiverse people.

Mr Weir, who lives in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, said he was "delighted" to be at the start line of the event.

"You can take part whether you’re using a racing chair, a mobility aid, are looking to walk, or want a parent’s support," he said.

Mr Carter said the event was "about the community and a chance for everybody to be together."

Everyone who finishes the event will receive a souvenir Brighton Miles medal.