Running, whether over a short or long distance, is a great way to get fit and active all year round, and one of the best things about it is that it won’t cost you a penny to start in Brighton (well, apart from parting with a small amount of cash for some decent trainers).
Brighton has a mix of flat and hilly terrain making it the perfect place for running and for this reason the city attracts thousands of runners each year for its annual half and full-distance marathons. These routes are ideal for those looking to take up running or for more experienced runners searching for their new favourite run to document on Strava.
Pier To Southwick
Brighton running enthusiasts adore the seafront of Brighton, Hove, Southwick, and Portslade. Not only does it boast exceptional views of the sea on a clear day, but the route along the seafront is mostly flat, so it’s a perfect place to beat your PB time! Starting at the pier, this 10km route takes you past the harbours and imposing industrial edifices of Portslade and Southwick.
10km of flat pavement is a great middle-distance run for both beginner and seasoned runners, whilst also being a great route for incorporating into any training plan for the Brighton half and full marathons as a decent chunk of the race takes place along these very roads. The run is also brilliantly adaptable and can be shortened to a 5k by finishing at Hove Kingsway.
Brighton Marina
Brighton Marina attracts visitors in their droves, especially during the summer months, with its array of restaurants and stunning views. It’s also a fantastic place to stretch your legs and get out for a run.
Measuring in at 6.4km, this route is a great place for beginner runners to build up their fitness. Beginning with a short stretch under the cliffs, the route takes you around the Marina and onto its twin piers before finishing where it started.
The run around the Marina is flat and for those looking for the least amount of pedestrian dodging possible, the area is remarkably quiet early in the morning.
Undercliff From Marina To Rottingdean And Back
Popular among walkers and cyclists, this run along the undercliffs from Brighton Marina to Rottingdean is a much-beloved route for runners of all experience levels.
With no traffic to worry about and only the odd cyclist and pedestrain to weave around during the earlier hours of the day, this route is both tranquil and perfectly designed to integrate into any training plan.
The route measures a total distance of 10.8km and due to its flatness it’s a great place to challenge yourself over a number of weeks to shave seconds, or even minutes, off your PB.
Stanmer and Richmond Hill Loop
The scenic loop route around Stanmer and Richmond Hill is perfect for trail runners and students of the local universities in Falmer, and better yet it’s a great run for beginners to fall in love with the sport.
Measuring just under 5km, this brisk and tranquil run explores the rural setting of Stanmer and weaves along mostly pavements, through small hamlets, and stretches of field.
If you’re looking for a quiet way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and seafront, then Stanmer is only a short bus or train ride away from Brighton mainline station.
Brighton and Hove Five Peaks Loop
Now that we’ve introduced you to Brighton and Hove’s gentler running routes, it’s time to introduce the challenging ones. Running routes don’t get much more daunting and exhilarating than the Five Peaks challenge.
This 30.9km route ought to only be undertaken by seasoned runners and is a great excuse for a rural long run on the weekend, exploring the rare beauty of the South Downs National Park on Brighton’s doorstep.
The five peaks in the name are given to the highest peaks along the trail and include the Hollingbury Hill Fort, Ditchling Beacon, Wolstonbury Hill, Newtimber Hill, and Devil’s Dyke.
While this run isn’t for the faint of heart, scaling these five epic peaks promises to offer unmatched views of Brighton and the stunning expanses of the South Downs National Park.
Brighton Parks
While a run around any of Brighton’s beautiful parks is a worthy and enjoyable pastime on any given day of the year, why not explore several in one go while you’re at it?
This fantastic inner-city route is the runner’s equivalent of a Brighton sightseeing tour and will take you through some of the city’s most famous parks and landmarks.
This loop route measures a distance of 7.6km, starting at Old Steine Gardens before heading through Victoria Gardens, The Level Park, and Preston Park.
This route is perfect for runners of all experience levels but especially for those visiting the city and looking to see some of its most famous landmarks whilst building up a sweat.
Kipling Roedean and Rottingdean Circular
This 7.4km circular running trail is a moderately difficult route despite its (relatively) short distance. The run starts along the popular undercliff path from Brighton Marina Village to Rottingdean before ascending up to Beacon Hill and through a leafy section of the South Downs.
The varied terrain and elevation in the run lend it its moderately difficult status, but this is a good benchmark run for incorporating into any training plan for a long-distance race.
When training for long-distance races such as half and full-distance marathons, it’s important to vary the intensity and distance of your training runs. Incorporating runs with plenty of elevation is also a must and can increase your fitness levels exponentially.
Stanmer Park and Falmer Circular
Trail running can be a daunting proposition for any newbie runner, but in reality, running on softer terrain is a far more pragmatic approach to avoiding unnecessary wear and tear to your legs during those early months of running.
Trail running is also a lot of fun, and exploring Brighton’s dense and leafy countryside on the city’s doorstep is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy shopping and residential districts.
This circular trail run measures a total distance of 14.2km and has a healthy amount of elevation, so it is more suited to a seasoned runner. However, for newbie runners looking for a challenge and a route that will become a staple of their running both in the present and future, this run is one of the best in the Brighton area.
Woodingdean and Drove Avenue Circular
Perfect for runners and hikers alike, this 7.9km circular route is perfect for those looking for some peace, quiet, and solitude on their weekend run.
The route itself has a fair amount of elevation but is suitable for newbie runners looking to challenge themselves on a moderately difficult course.
The trail runs through fields and farmlands close to the famous Woondingdean district of Brighton and follows an undulating path through country terrain.
