Day: February 16, 2014

Paul Martelletti successfully defends his title.

Following days of strong winds and heavy rain, the sun shone on the Brighton Half Marathon today (Sunday, February 16).

The Brighton Half Marathon is organised by The Sussex Beacon, a local HIV charity, and saw 6,996 runners on the start line with Paul Martelletti and Sarah Hill claiming the winning titles. A large number of spectators lined the streets of Brighton & Hove to cheer on the runners and to show their support for the event.

Paul Martelletti (Victoria Park Harriers / Run-fast) took the lead from the start and successfully defended his title from 2013 by finishing in a time of 01:05:52, over one minute ahead of runner up Tom Aldred of London Heathside and over a minute and half faster than his winning time last year. In a sprint finish Paolo Natali of ATL Firenze Marathon beat Kevin Rojas of Brighton & Hove AC and secured 3rd place in a time of 01:08:08.

Sarah Hill of Farnham Runners dominated the women’s field and secured the win in a time of 01:18:43, ahead of Deidre McDermot who crossed the finish line in 01:20:15. Claire Grima of Hercules Wimbledon came third in a time of 01:20:45.

The 1 mile Youth Races, which started and finished at the same point as the main race, saw 393 young runners of all levels and abilities take part across four age categories, with the biggest number of runners in the 7 – 10 years age category.

RESULTS – BRIGHTON HALF MARATHON 2014:

Male:

1. Paul Martelletti (Victoria Park Harriers / Run-fast), 01:05:52

2. Tom Aldred (London Heathside AC), 01:06:54

3. Paolo Natali (ATL Firenze Marathon), 01:08:08

Female:

1. Sarah Hill (Farnham Runners), 01:18:43

2. Deidre McDermot, 01:20:15

3. Claire Grima (Hercules Wimbledon), 01:20:45

To see the full results including the results of the Youth Races, CLICK HERE:  

The Brighton Half Marathon Corporate Challenge took place for the 3rd time as part of the main race, and the winners of the Corporate Challenge Trophy will be announced shortly.

Event Manager Paul Bond, said: “We have been working very hard after the recent challenging weather conditions to make sure that today’s event could go ahead, and I am pleased to say that the Brighton Half Marathon 2014 has been a huge success. Congratulations to Paul Martelletti and Sarah Hill for their fantastic achievements, and to all the runners who took part.

“A big thank you also goes to the sponsors, partners, supporters and volunteers and to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2014 race.”

The Brighton Half Marathon is organised by and the main fundraising event for The Sussex Beacon, a local HIV charity working to improve health, reduce stigma and prevent premature death. Open 365 days a year, they support men, women and families affected by HIV to manage this life-long condition that has no cure.

Other Charity Partners included Scope (National Charity Partner) alongside WaterAid (International Charity Partner) and Rise (Local Charity Partner).

Sponsors and partners of the Brighton Half Marathon 2014 included ASICS, Runners Need, Lucozade Sport, TomTom, Seattle Hotel, Studio57 Clinic, Visit Brighton and Brighton & Hove City Council.

Local drag queen Sonia Marmite aka Paul Brown ran his first half marathon today.

He finished the course in two hours, thirty three minutes and twenty seconds. Paul who was running to raise money for the Sussex Beacon announced he would run the race wearing a wedding dress if he received more than £500 in sponsorship pledges. He past his total and took to the streets of Brighton today demurely, dressed as ‘Sonia the bride’ in full make up, wig, veil, white short dress and a flower bouquet.

Due to health and safety regulations he had to run in trainers rather than the fabulous pair of Prada booties he had planned to run in.

You can still make a donation, CLICK HERE:

OR TEXT PBSM76 £5 to 70070

To find out more about the Sussex Beacon, CLICK HERE: