This year’s Brighton Half Marathon, the main fundraising event for local HIV charity the Sussex Beacon, which takes place on Brighton seafront on Sunday, February 25, will be started by gay Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas CBE, one of the most iconic and respected figures in world rugby.
In 2009, Gareth, who was the first Welsh player to reach 100 caps and captained both Wales and the British & Irish Lions, famously became the first high profile sportsman in the world to come out as gay while still playing. While he never downplays the significance of this achievement, he hopes to see a day when it is no longer an issue in the game at all.
Gareth has continued to use his platform to champion issues close to him, sharing his own experiences with mental health in his award-winning autobiography Proud (2014), followed by Stronger (2021). In 2019, Gareth bravely told the world he was living with HIV. His BBC documentary, Gareth Thomas: HIV and Me, aired shortly afterwards and he has since launched a UK wide Tackle HIV campaign to help others with prejudice surrounding HIV.
On starting the Brighton Half Marathon, Gareth said: “I am delighted to be supporting the Brighton Half Marathon which raises vital funds for local HIV charity the Sussex Beacon, an organisation which provides specialist care and support for people living with HIV and their families. Brighton is an incredible city; I am really looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere on race day!”
The Brighton Half Marathon is a UKA-certified event that features a stunning seafront course. Every year 10,000 runners flock to the city to enjoy the fast, flat 13.1mile seafront course. General Entry places are now sold out, but runners can still enter via one of the following charities including Say Aphasia, Taylor Made Dreams, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, WWF UK, Raystede and Grassroots. For more info, CLICK HERE
The event also features a wheelchair race, as well as a one-mile youth race started by DJ and presenter Woody Cook, and a charity relay race. The annual event is organised by E3 Sports Events on behalf of the Sussex Beacon.
Every year the race welcomes the support of hundreds of volunteers to help with course marshalling, drink stations, baggage facilities and handing out medals and goody bags. To become a volunteer, CLICK HERE.
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