Olly Alexander announced as official race starter of Brighton Half Marathon

The Brighton Half Marathon, the biggest fundraiser for local HIV charity Sussex Beacon, has announced BAFTA-nominated actor and award-winning singer/songwriter, Olly Alexander, as the official race starter of the half marathon. 

Olly Alexander said: "It’s an honour to be asked to officially start the Brighton Half Marathon! Then I’ll be jumping straight into the race to join Team Beacon, I can’t wait! I’ve fallen in love with the charity and the work they do, which is so important and vital for the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV."

During race weekend more than 10,000 runners are expected to flock to Brighton & Hove to enjoy the fast, flat 13.1mile seafront course. Participants will be joined on the start line by other well-known faces including Chris Oliver (SAS Who Dares Wins) and Zoe Lyons (comedian and TV presenter). Amanda from season 4 of The Traitors will also be welcoming runners to Team Beacon.

The half marathon starts on Hove Lawns before winding its way around some of Brighton’s most iconic sites including the Brighton Palace Pier, Royal Pavilion, the West Pier, i360, Brighton Marina and the colourful Hove Beach Huts.

Olly is running for Team Beacon, the Sussex Beacon Hospice’s challenge event group, who have a record number of runners this year, aiming to beat 2025’s fundraising total of over £120,000. 

The Brighton Half Marathon and Wheelchair Race will take place on Sunday, 1 March with the Youth Races taking place the day before on Saturday, 28 February.