Article by BHM

December 18, 2023 at 5:27 pm

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We recently caught up with previous four time Brighton Half Marathon winner and Brighton favourite Paul Martelletti.

How are you at the moment, well I hope?

Yes good thanks.  A little older and a little slower than what I used to be but still running lots.

Where are you based currently and what’s the local running scene like?

I moved from London to Milton Keynes a couple of years back and I really enjoy running around here. There are lots of good running options with canals and lakes and over 200 miles of traffic free redways.  I love a loop too so am quite content lapping the same loops to help build some mental toughness!

What have you been up to recently in terms of your running?

I guess my last major race was back in April where I ran for England in the Anglo Celtic Plate 100km. My training went really well for that but unfortunately the race didn’t but that’s how these things go sometimes.  Other than that I’ve been trying to get some speed back and trying to run under 15 minutes again for 5km which I used to be able to do regularly but it seems old age is catching up with me so it’s much harder. I’m also dabbling in a bit of cross country for a bit of fun.

When you are not running how do you like to spend your time?

Watching trashy tv seems to be a good filler of time!  There’s some great (dare I say it!) Aussie shows my Wife and I get into like The Block (home renovation/building) and you can’t go wrong with some mega drama on shows like Married at First Sight.  Also a bit of gardening too now that I live in the burbs.

Can you tell us a little bit about your training routine? Do you train with a group?

Until the past few weeks, my routine was a bit lazy as I was only running 80ish miles a week with no real target to keep me focused. I’ve just done 3 weeks at 100 miles and I’m already feeling better for it so I’ll aim to keep the miles up and get a race in the diary so I have a target to train for.  I typically do one or two sessions a week and often I’ll do those with one or more of my friends in MK. I find the faster running is much easier in a group setting as you push each other more and also there is some accountability to stick it out.

You ran the Half a total of 7 times (starting back in 2013) winning the race on four separate occasions – why did Brighton have such a strong connection for you?

Brighton always reminded me of Wellington which is where I lived in New Zealand prior to coming to the UK. It had a similar vibe to it and on a nice sunny day you can’t beat it. It also suffers from those windy days too which Wellington is famous for! I liked the course too, even though there is a bit of a hill in it and it can be hit by wind it’s still a fast course.

Do you have a favorite memory from those races?

I remember one year getting the bus down on a Friday night and upon arriving went to walk to my accommodation.  I walked around a corner and literally got stopped dead in my tracks by a gale force wind. Luckily the storm blew through and race day was near perfect.  Other than that, the last mile is always lined with loads of spectators and it was such a buzz charging down Madeira drive to break the tape at the finish line.

What’s been the biggest learning for you in terms of your running career?

On a similar vein to Eliud Kipchoge’s “no human is limited”, I would say don’t put limits on your own abilities. When I first started running I had no idea how good I would become or how fast I could end up running. A big factor in this, and to throw in another running related quote courtesy of Garmin this time, was that I was trying to “beat yesterday”. Literally trying to run faster pbs than I had run previously. And when I did that, train some more and try to do it again.  This took a lot of hard work, dedication and many 100 mile weeks over the years but it was also a lot of fun too.

If you had one piece of advice to give someone starting their journey in the sport – what would it be?

Consistency! Running can be hard to start with but once you’ve got a certain level of fitness under your belt it does get much easier and less daunting so try your best to keep at it regularly. Running with others can be a good way get motivated to get out the door as often that is half the battle.

Are we allowed to talk Running Shoes – what’s your view on the whole “super-shoe” debate?

When the carbon shoes first came out I was very reluctant to use them and it must have been a year or so before I finally did. I like to call them “cheat shoes” but that’s a bit tongue in cheek as I now wear them for most of my races, as does every man, woman, dog, small child!! Some people respond to them better than others and they’ve definitely had an impact on performances over the years.  I quite like that most of my pbs were set pre super shoes days as it makes for good banter when someone runs a similar “assisted” time! But they are here to stay and we are seeing some incredible performances in them with marathon and half marathon records tumbling. I’d love to know what these same record breaking or pb breaking athletes would run in the old race shoes but that’s easier said than done obviously.

What are your plans for the rest of the year running wise? Do you think we might see you in Brighton again next February?

For the rest of the year and January I’ll be aiming to run some decent miles and hard sessions to get back into 67/68 half marathon shape.  I’d love to come back to Brighton so perhaps 2024 is the year to do it!

Once again Paul many thanks for your time, good luck with your running and we hope to see you back in Brighton next February!

The Race Team – Brighton Half Marathon

Article by BHM

November 15, 2023 at 5:07 pm

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We are really pleased to announce that Brighton-based business telecoms provider Rubix VT are our new headline sponsor.

With offices at the Sussex Innovation Centre, Rubix VT is well known for supporting community initiatives across East and West Sussex.

As the headline sponsor for the next three years, Rubix VT believes the new partnership provides the perfect opportunity to give back to the local community in supporting runners and their fundraising efforts.

Martin Harrigan, Rubix VT Brighton Half Marathon Race Director, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to announce that Rubix VT will be our new headline sponsor for the next three years. 

“I know Nick and the team at Rubix VT have a real passion for running and have shown their support for a range of community initiatives across Sussex – values which we, as an event owned by a charity, find incredibly important.

Nick Poyner, Managing Director at Rubix VT, commented:

“The Brighton Half Marathon is a fantastic community event with an incredible heritage and with fundraising and Charity very much at its core. An opportunity to support The Sussex Beacon and all the other amazing charities that participate in the event was such an easy decision to make.

Charity and giving back to our local communities is a core value for ourselves as a business.

We have supported a number of initiatives across Sussex, including campaigns by Rocking Horse Children’s Charity, Chestnut Tree House and Brighton based Charity the Starr Trust who we will be supporting through our partnership with the Half.”

Article by BHM

October 11, 2023 at 4:58 pm

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Since its introduction in 2017 the wheelchair race has become a big part of the Brighton Half story.

As a race team it’s always a challenge introducing a new event into the program, but we believed that wheelchair racing could really add excitement to the day – and give spectators (who come out to support us in their thousands) something else to get excited about!

We started planning for the introduction of the event back in 2016 and were helped immensely by Gary Donald, a hugely experienced wheelchair athlete based in London whose advice and guidance was instrumental in enabling us to get the event off the ground.

Our first race in 2017 was delivered very much as a Test event, and we soon realized that the nature of our course (essentially an out & back starting and finishing on Madeira Drive) created the potential for wheelchair racers and runners to come into conflict in and around Aquarium roundabout – the solution of course was staring us in the face – we just reversed the runner flow – so that runners now flow anti-clockwise around the course.

Since those early days the event has gone from strength to strength, attracting international athletes, and a course record of 53.67 in the male event and 73.18 in the women’s race.

Nevertheless, the main aim of the event is still to provide an opportunity for club athletes to enjoy the experience of road racing often in what is their first road half marathon – and hopefully that we are doing our job in being as supportive as we can as an event.

Gary and Rob have been present in every edition of the event and have become an important part of the journey – not least for the ongoing support and guidance they have offered to other athletes who have considered joining us on race day – and just needed that “athlete’s” perspective on what the event has to offer.

As Brighton Half wheelchair race veterans we caught up with Rob and Gary recently to talk about the event, some of its challenges and why he enjoys racing so much in Brighton.

How many times have you taken part in the Brighton Half Marathon Wheelchair race?

Rob: 6 times including winning twice, I think.

Gary: Gary: 6 years

What is your experience of the event and the course?

Rob: The event is very well organized.  It’s great to have the support for the wheelchair event and I love to take part in it.  The course is interesting as it’s a tough start with a long but steady climb but great to then get the downhill and then the rest of the course is mostly flat.

Gary: The event is well organised with a marquee for wheelchair racer to get set up and store their day chairs in the dry. The staff are all ways very friendly and helpful. It’s a challenging route with a steep hill at the start and with the route being by the sea it’s prone to strong winds which can either help with a push up the hill or be against us.

What is special about Brighton – what makes you keep coming back to race with us?

Rob: Brighton is a great place to visit.  My wife and I used to come more often to visit friends and shop when we were younger.  It’s now a great place to visit even though it’s a long way from the Midlands.  Now we love taking the kids on the pier and beach and now have a tradition of all the racers from Coventry Godiva’s and their supporters going onto the pier for fish and chips dinner after the race.  My son also took part in the kids race in 2023.

Gary: There’s all ways a good atmosphere with great support from the crowds. I bring my wife and daughter with me, and we make a day of it, with fish and chips on the pier after the race. We enjoy ice cream and a walk along the promenade in the afternoon before driving home.

What things do you consider when deciding what race to take part in?

Rob: The course is a big factor so flatter courses are better but also the time of year is important.  We do a lot of hard training through the winter and Brighton half is often the first time to test ourselves to see how we are doing.  It often has some tough and windy or cold weather conditions but it’s often the first major race of the year for many of us.

Gary: Traveling distance, cost to enter, the distance of the race (I wont travel to far for just short races), whether the race is on closed roads with no sections with grass or gravel paths, whether its an interesting route, Brighton is for a well worth charity and I like to be able to support the race.

How often do you train and where? Do you belong to a club?

Rob: Quite a few of us are from Coventry Godiva Harriers, we train at the track at Warwick University twice a week, also at a local reservoir to train on the road and at home on rollers when the weather is really bad.

Gary: I train 2-3 times a week at either Warwick university track as part of Coventry Godiva Harriers or at Draycote water a reservoir with an undulating road which is great for road training.

What are some of the training routines or techniques specific to Wheelchair racing?

Rob: We focus a lot on shoulders and chest strength.  At the track we work on speed endurance and longer distance training over the winter and shorter distance and sprint training in the summer.  Many of us use the rollers to improve stamina and work on technique as it’s very repeatable.  If working for a specific goal – e.g. New York marathon for 3 of the Godiva racers in November we will make sure we are doing lots of hill training as that course has many climbs and fast descents.

Gary: At the track I will be concentrating on starts, sprints and shorter bursts of effort. At Draycote I be concentrating on longer consistent effort and hill work. It’s a completely different experience racing on the road compared to the track

How do you approach strategy and tactics during a race?

Rob: It’s useful to know the other racers and their current form before the start.  Drafting on flat parts of the course makes a huge difference to wheelchair racers so working together with another similar speed racer can help you both get a good time.  Also getting on the back of a faster racer means you can save energy for later in the race if there might be a sprint finish.

Gary: If I’m racing against a racer that’s a similar speed we will take turns in front as it takes less effort when up close behind the racer in front. This tactic will result in a quicker time for both racers and sometimes ends with a sprint finish!

What is your racing plan for 2024? Do you have your races mapped out?

Rob: Big race plans – New York marathon Nov 2023, Tokyo marathon March 2024.  For both myself and Gary completing these 2 would mean we would both be awarded our Abbott marathon majors 6 star finishers medals.  (for completing London, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo marathons).

Gary: You can’t plan ahead for the Brighton half because the weather can vary so much from storm force winds and rain to bright sunshine, it’s apart of what makes Brighton half such an interesting race. Brighton will be a part of my training program leading up to the Tokyo marathon in March which will be the last of the big six Abbotts majors I’ve been working towards finishing.

Are you coming back to Brighton again in February – we would love to see you!

Rob: Hoping to at the moment.

Gary: Yes!

A big thank you to Rob for taking the time to take part in our Q@A and for the insights into wheelchair racing.

2024 Brighton Half Marathon Wheelchair race entries are open.

If you are interested email: info@brightonhalfmarathon.com

Article by BHM

September 21, 2023 at 2:41 pm

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Brighton Half Marathon Youth Races are returning in 2024 with Rockinghorse as headline charity partner

Following the successful return of the Youth Races in 2023 the race team at the Brighton Half Marathon have announced that their popular Youth Races will again be returning in 2024, and entries are open! Click here to enter

The incredibly popular event will be making a welcome return next February with Rockinghorse Children’s Charity once again the official charity partner of the races.

Located on Hove Prom and held on the main half marathon race day on Sunday 25 February, the Brighton Half Marathon Youth Races are designed for junior runners aged 7-17. Open to all abilities, youth runners run a mile on Hove Prom, running along part of the main half marathon route before the half marathon runners come through.

The event gives youngsters a unique opportunity to experience the buzz of race day, and family and friends are encouraged to come and cheer on from the side lines along Hove Prom.

The event is chip-timed, with five age groups set off in waves, and all runners will receive a technical t-shirt and a medal to show off to their friends and family. Prizes will also be awarded to the first three runners in each of the five age categories.

Rockinghorse support sick and disabled babies, children and young people, along with their families, at The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, the Trevor Mann Baby Unit in Brighton and all of the specialist children’s wards and baby units throughout Sussex.

Brighton Half Marathon Youth Races Event manager Holly Freeman said:

“Building on the success of last year’s event it’s great to be able to welcome Youth Runners back to the Brighton Half Marathon. The atmosphere at the start line is always fantastic and the crowd support generated by friends and family is pretty unique – it’s noisy – but a lot of fun!”

Emma Cunliffe, Supporter Engagement Manager from Rockinghorse said:

“We are so pleased to be the official charity partner for the Youth Race again this year. As a local children’s charity, partnering with such a wonderful event aimed at young people seems like a great fit.

“As many of the children taking part will have been treated at the Alex, or know someone who has, helping us raise funds for vital equipment and services to help other young people is fantastic. We’re really looking forward to cheering everyone on the day.”

For more information and to enter, please go to www.brhalfstaging.wpenginepowered.com/youthrace

Article by BHM

August 25, 2023 at 3:13 pm

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We recently had a catch-up with Actor and Brighton Half aficionado Rich Keeble to talk running, vlogging and the (sometimes) funny side of social media.

Rich has a varied list of Film and Television credits to his name encompassing Comedy and Drama in addition to voice acting in video games and narrating audiobooks.

He has also been known to appear in a popular TV advert or two – the experience of which formed the background to a hilarious conversation about the joys of social media for the acting profession – enough said!

And for those of you who love your online running content (think YouTube) many of you will recognize Rich from his popular running vlog Rich Runs Rich Keeble – YouTube– a lighthearted and slightly irreverent look behind the scenes of Rich’s own running story.

You can currently see Rich in “Good Omens” on Amazon Prime alongside David Tennant and Michael Sheen, and he’s recently been working on another project with David Tennant during which he had a break in filming to talk to us.

1. Where did the idea for a running vlog first come from?

Initially it was just a bit of fun really and something to share with friends while I trained for my first marathon (Brighton Marathon in 2022). I thought if I filmed my training it would make me actually do it. I was often away from home filming at the time (filming Good Omens funnily enough) so I would edit my videos during any downtime.

After completing the marathon (in 3:53) and as my general fitness developed over time, I decided to set myself a goal (I do like a goal!) of trying to run a sub-20-minute Parkrun – recording my efforts along with other races along the way. However, I wasn’t getting many views or interactions so I decided my 20-minute 5K video would be my last. But the video actually took off, so the result of all my hard work – other than a new PB was a video that received over 16,000 views – as opposed to the 200 or so I would normally get!

So yes, an unplanned and very unexpected “Youtuber” had been born!

2. How do you see Rich Runs Developing in the future

I really enjoy putting content out there and I’m still constantly amazed that people find it interesting and are actually nice to me (in contrast to the Top cashback days) but I think for now this will remain a labour of love as opposed to any major career move! Maybe if people reading this subscribe to my channel that will motivate me further!

3. You are clearly very passionate about your running – but when did you first get the bug?

Probably like a lot of people I hadn’t really run since I was at School, and even then I didn’t run very much; I would go to the gym to struggle through a 5K on a treadmill occasionally in my 20s and 30s – and had dabbled at one time in a bit of Kung Fu (long story!) but overall by the time I reached my 40s and with a couple of young children around the house – I probably wasn’t as fit as I would have liked to have been.

And then of course COVID came along and as I say I do like a goal so when we were told we were allowed to go outside and exercise once a day if you remember, some friends and I set-up a virtual running challenge along the lines of how far we could run around the world (virtually of course) in the next few months or so and that as they say was that – I was hooked!

4. Your videos often record your experiences of the running events you participate in – including our own Brighton Half – what do you like about the whole race day experience?

I think for me I’m hugely motivated by receiving an official time for completing a run which I can use to track my progress and compete with myself – and yes, I am quite partial to a good race medal!

An interesting course always helps, along with great crowds – which Brighton certainly has – and I genuinely love that feeling of running along roads that would normally be open to traffic – and a bit of a no-go area for running.

I also like having an event to aim at – not least because it gets me out of the door – and motivated to put the hard miles in!

5. Can you tell us a little bit about your training routine?

I tend to train on my own mainly although I will do the occasional run with my mate Dale. (That first Brighton Marathon was actually how I got to know Dale who features in my videos. He had a Brighton entry but got into London Marathon unexpectantly causing a clash, so he transferred his place to me via a mutual friend.)

When I first started running, I tended to get a fair bit of advice and tips online and particularly liked the content that Sarah Place and Ben Parkes were producing.

As I became a bit more confident in my running, I started to follow more structured training plans when preparing for a half or full marathon for instance.

6. What’s been the biggest learning for you in terms of your running?

I have just loved the way my fitness has improved over time with all the benefits that has given me in terms of my energy levels and the positive contribution this has made to my mental health. I can run for a bus now without needing the whole journey to catch my breath! And I have more energy for my kids. In terms of my training without doubt it’s been understanding the importance of keeping the “easy run” truly easy in your training program (easy days easy and hard days hard!) – it’s taken time for me to understand this and stop worrying about what people think about my paces on Strava, but now I do, I feel it’s really helped my overall fitness and general confidence in my running.

7. Are we allowed to talk Running Shoes?

Hah – yes – I never thought even a couple of years ago that I would be one day talking about a “shoe rotation” but yes runners and their shoe addiction is a well-documented problem!

My daily workhorse tends to be a pair of Brooks Ghost and I quite like the Saucony Endorphin Speed for intervals and the odd race – although I must admit that I have recently fully embraced the world of carbon plates with a pair of Nike Vaporfly now sitting proudly in my collection.

8. Will we be seeing kit reviews anytime soon on your channel?

Who knows – it feels like there may be a good comedy angle or general spoof in there somewhere!

9. What are your plans for the rest of the year running wise?

Ideally, I’d like to try and get my 5K time back below 20 minutes by the end of the year (I’ve had some off periods this year and you certainly lose it quickly) and a new PB for a Half would be fantastic – and who knows – perhaps Brighton next February!

Longer term achieving Good For Age for London Marathon would be amazing – I’m a way off there at the moment – but as a I say – I do like something to aim for! I managed 3:39 at Manchester Marathon this year after coming back from an Achilles issue so maybe it’s not completely ridiculous!

10. And finally, in addition to currently seeing you in Good Omens do you have anything else in the pipeline?

I’ve been lucky enough to have been working during a tough time for the industry, although I did have a bit of a quiet start to the year, but you may well  have seen me in “The Change” on Channel 4 back in June, and I have some other stuff still to come out, plus I’ve also made it into a new series called “Rivals” (alongside David Tennant again) which is currently still shooting and hopefully airing on Disney+ near the end of 2024.

Once again Rich many thanks for your time, good luck with your running and we hope to see you back in Brighton next February!

The Race Team – Brighton Half Marathon.

Updates on all Rich’s current projects are available here: https://linktr.ee/richkeeble

And you can follow Rich at:

https://twitter.com/RichKeeble

https://www.instagram.com/richkeeble/

https://www.strava.com/athletes/57937467

http://www.richkeeble.com/

Article by BHM

June 9, 2023 at 2:15 pm

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After setting a new Guinness World Record at the Brighton Half back in February (completing the distance with a 26 kg fridge on his back) Corporal Sam Hammond went on to set a new Guinness world record for the full marathon some 6 weeks later in London

Needless to say, the reaction to Sam’s first world record in Brighton has been incredible.

We caught up again with Sam recently to talk all things Fridge, running and of course what his next challenge might be….

1.How did you first come up with the idea of running with a fridge strapped to your back?

It was back in July last year. I was trying to work out ways of raising money for charity, times are hard, and I think you need something a little stand out to stand much chance of raising good money! So, the idea of a fridge came! It’s heavy and sticks out a lot! everyone looks! That means everyone gets exposure to the chosen charity and often ask questions! All good PR!

2. When you started out on your challenge(s) did you have any idea of how this would resonate with people and the publicity you would generate?

I have been absolutely blown away by the support. This includes the generosity of everyone donating, the support while on events by the public, the companies who have helped me along the way and the individuals like Martin who kindly donated a space at a huge event to allow me to attempt the challenge!

3. What advice would you give for any other aspiring Guinness World Record holder

There are so many different records, pick one that suits you, train hard and train smart! The whole journey from training to fund raising is great fun and it’s all tied off nicely at the end should you beat the previous record with a bit of paper you can keep for the rest of your life!

4. You received great support from the crowds at Brighton – what were your memories of the day in setting the first of your new Guinness World Records 

I started out pretty nervous! The wind was forecasted to be pretty high and with a large white sail on my back, I was a little worried! Being allowed to set off at the front of the green group was certainly a highlight, the supporters on both sides of the road really helped me get into my rhythm. It was quite nice it was a little quieter at the turn around points! allowing me to get a few seconds to compose myself!

5.Did you in your wildest dreams realize how difficult a challenge you had set yourself.

The first record, at Brighton was tough, I pushed myself very hard and I’m sure everyone at the end could see that, however. This was but a mere drop in the ocean compared to the full marathon in London. Words can’t describe how hard I had to work. My Instagram is full of pictures where you can see the true pain I was feeling!

6. You were running to support the armed forces charity SSAFA – how did your fundraising go?

SSAFA is a great charity supporting serving soldiers, Veterans and the families we leave at home whenever we deploy. I’m super happy to announce that I’ve managed to raise over £7,000 for them! Thanks to some very kind people!

7. Do you have any ideas about what your next challenge might be?

For now, Duty calls. I’m soon heading off on a 5 month deployment with work and thus the fridge is in temporary retirement, I’m sure this won’t be permanent

8. And how is your relationship with “Fridget” nowadays – has it cooled? (Sorry!)

I put the fridge on my back for the first time since London last week, just to walk to across the field and store it in a shed. It felt pretty strange but made me smile! I’m not sure if I’m nervous or excited to get her on my back again!

And finally, if you did fancy taking on a new challenge at the Half next February, we would of course love to welcome you back!

Thank you! I’ve been. eyeing up a couple of records, I’d love to get another while in Brighton!

Thank you again for the support from the whole team – it really did help get that world record which then nicely set me up for London!

If you want to join Sam next February, early bird entries are still available here: https://brighton-half.eventize.co.uk/e/brighton-half-marathon-9432

Article by BHM

May 26, 2023 at 2:50 pm

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Running on cool nights and refuelling on ice-cream is what summer running is all about. Stay comfortable on the run with our running tips for the season.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
The higher the mercury level soars the more you’ll sweat, the more fluid you lose and the more you’ll need to drink to replace lost fluids. When you sweat you lose salts too and these are vital for muscle function so it’s important to hydrate with electrolytes and not just water. Electrolytes feature in isotonic sports drinks, or you can avoid extra calories from sugary carbohydrates if you choose electrolyte tabs, which you simply pop into water.

Heed overheating warning signs
Overheating can be dangerous. Be aware of the warning signs that tell you something is not right. If you feel ill with a headache or dizziness, have hot and cold flushes, feel confused or seem to be over-sweating more than you should be, stop running, find some shade, hydrate and get a lift home.

Always arm yourself with suncream
A summer essential but not an accessory we’re used to taking on runs in the UK. Buy sweat-resistant (labelled water resistant) sprays or creams to make sure it stays put and apply it liberally all over your body to avoid sun damage. The smaller sunblock sticks are great to pop into small pockets in running gear and you’ll be less likely to forget sunscreen if you keep it in there.

Watch for ticks on the trail
Lyme disease is a tick-borne infectious disease carried by animals such as mice and deer which live in woodland areas. If you run in forest, woodland or heath areas it’s wise to be cautious of areas of exposed skin where ticks could latch on. The UK Health Security Agency estimates there are 2,000 to 3,000 cases of Lyme disease in England and Wales each year. If you love running through longer grasses and getting in the thick of the trail it’s easy to protect yourself by choosing long tights rather than shorts or capris.

Wear cooling gear
Avoiding clammy cotton tees and picking running gear made from technical fabric is even more important in summer when you sweat more. Look for moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics that are designed to stay cool as the temperature rises.

And remember there are also some benefits to running in the heat….

• Build temperature adaptations: The weather isn’t always friendly on race day, but you have to run anyways. By training in adverse weather, you condition your body to adapt and perform (even if the weather isn’t ideal).
• Boost your VO2 max: Running in the heat can have a more positive influence on your VO2 max than training at altitude.
• Improve your exercise economy: It takes a lot of work to run in the heat. When you do, your running economy improves, allowing you to go farther and longer with less energy. You can run at a reduced heart rate at any given pace, and this also lowers your perceived exertion.

Article by BHM

May 25, 2023 at 5:25 pm

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Struck down with a streaming nose and itchy eyes? Here are ten tips to stay running when you have hayfever.

“If I don’t manage my hay fever carefully, it can seriously affect my performance on the track,” GB athlete Marlon Devonish says. Despite having symptoms on the more severe side of the scale, the sprinter explains how he hasn’t let hayfever rule his life and he highlights how, when managed carefully, sport can continue when the summer sniffles strike.

Hayfever is a type of allergic rhinitis caused by an overreaction of the body’s immune system to pollen. It causes inflammation inside the nose and it can affect the sinuses, eyes and throat too. Around 20-25% of us suffer from it in the UK, one of the highest prevalence rates in the world, and you’re more likely to suffer from it if you have a history of asthma or eczema in your family. While there are medications to alleviate the symptoms on the market, there are ways to help yourself too. Here are ten tips to keep symptoms under control.

1. Keep an eye on the pollen level
Make it part of your early morning routine to watch the pollen forecast on TV or check the pollen count online before you head outdoors. There are also pollen count apps which can warn you when it’s a particularly high pollen day in your area. Typically most people get symptoms when the pollen count is over 50, though it varies between individuals. The pollen forecast is typically calculated as:

Low: fewer than 30 grains of pollen in every cubic metre of air

Moderate: 30-49 grains of pollen in every cubic metre of air

High: 50-149 grains of pollen in every cubic metre of air

Very high: 150 or more grains of pollen in every cubic metre of air

2. Work out which pollens you’re allergic to
Different plants release their pollen into the atmosphere at different times of the year so you can sometimes work out what triggers your symptoms and take steps to avoid your nasal nemesis. The vast majority of us – 95% – are allergic to grass pollen, and 25% to tree pollens such as ash, birch and oak. Take a look at the interactive pollen timeline on the Benadryl website to see what trees and grasses pollenate when. Typically:

Tree pollen is earlier in the year, starting in March

Grass pollen is June – August

Weed pollen is released any time from early spring to late autumn.

3. Avoid busy, built-up roads
With fewer green spaces, it might seem strange that hayfever is twice as common in cities than in the country but the answer lies in air pollution. Fumes from cars can trigger or aggravate symptoms so main roads are best avoided. Parks are potent with pollen too so give these a wide berth. So where can you run if your usual stomping ground is off limits? Research shows that air pollution drops significantly 300 metres away from main roads so plan your running routes wisely and choose less built up areas. If you live in London, try running along the Thames path where lower air pollution and reduced pollen will ease symptoms.

4. Make a beeline for the beach
If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea, you’re in a perfect spot to beat streaming eyes. Coastal areas typically have lower levels of air pollution because sea breezes blow the pollen inland.

5. Wash away the pollen
Pollen is pesky. It gets everywhere, sticking to your skin and hair and clinging to clothing. Get into a habit of showering and washing your running gear after every run and avoid drying your washing on a clothes-line outside.

6. Run at lunchtime
Plants release pollen early in the morning and late in the afternoon yet these are often the most common times we choose to run, so you may have to shuffle your running schedule around to suit lower pollen levels. During the daytime pollen levels are usually at their lowest from roughly 11 – 4pm so try running at lunchtime.

7. Wear sports sunglasses
If you suffer from itchy eyes, sunglasses will be prove useful, helping to prevent pollen coming into contact with the eye area while you’re running. Wrap-around designs are especially effective.

8. Apply Vaseline to other areas
Besides combating chafing, runner’s best friend Vaseline has another use in the summer by helping to combat pollen. Apply petroleum jelly or an equivalent balm around the edge of each nostril to trap or block pollens from entering your nose and preventing a reaction. Be careful of sunburn though!

9. Invest in an air filter for indoors
If you find your sleep is affected, a good air filter can help. Choose a filter which is proven to trap small particles.

10. On high pollen days…
All is not lost: there’s always the indoor treadmill as a last resort.

Article by BHM

May 5, 2023 at 5:52 pm

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Creating a race calendar is an important part of preparing for any running event – particularly a half or ultimately a full marathon.

The Brighton half marathon has retained its late February date in the running calendar over the past 34 years for one really good reason – it’s always been a great way to embrace the new year and of course is ideally placed to test your fitness for the rest of the spring running season – especially if you are planning another half or marathon later in the year.

Here are some steps you can take to put a race calendar in place and really gain from the benefits of forward planning

1. Identify your target event: The first step is to decide which event you want to target. This will help you determine the timeline for your training and the other races you will run leading up to the event and of course don’t leave your decision until the last minute – popular races tend to sell-out well in advance of race day – and you don’t want to miss out on a crucial part of your build-up.
2. Determine your current fitness level: Before you start training, it’s important to assess your current fitness level. This will help you determine how much time you need to prepare for the event and what types of races you should run in the lead-up.
3. Choose your training plan: Once you have determined your current fitness level, you can choose a training plan that is appropriate for your level of fitness and the amount of time you have to prepare for the event you have entered.
4. Plan your races: Once you have chosen a training plan, you can start to plan the races you will run in the lead-up to your target event. These races should be spaced out appropriately to allow for recovery between races and to allow you to peak at the right time for your target event.
5. Consider the distance and terrain of the races: When choosing races to run in the lead-up to your particular challenge it’s important to consider the distance and terrain of the races. You should aim to run races that are similar in distance and terrain to the event you are targeting.
6. Schedule your training: Once you have chosen your races, you can schedule your training around them. Make sure you give yourself enough time to recover between races and to complete your training plan before your target event.
7. Adjust your plan as needed: Finally, be prepared to adjust your race calendar and training plan as needed. If you experience an injury or illness, you may need to modify your training plan or skip a race. It’s important to be flexible and make adjustments as needed to ensure you are able to reach your goal of completing your target event – having really enjoyed the experience!

Good Luck with your training and hopefully see you next February!

If you would like to enter the Brighton Half Marathon on Sunday 25th February 2024 click here

Article by BHM

April 19, 2023 at 4:10 pm

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Corporal Sam Hammond, AKA Man Vs. Fridge, ran the 2023 Brighton Half Marathon, in aid of SSAFA, and it is now OFFICIAL – he has now become a Guinness World Record holder

Corporal Sam Hammond set the world record for the fastest time completing a half marathon with a 26kg fridge on his back in 02:04:13 on Sunday 26th February 2023.

To read more, see the article published by Forces Net here

Article by BHM

January 19, 2023 at 6:10 pm

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The University of Sussex Men’s Rugby to run The Brighton Half Marathon to support Mental Health Charity GrassRoots Suicide Prevention

The University of Sussex Men’s Rugby Club is made up of more than 100 boys studying at Sussex Uni aged 18-23 who actively play competitive rugby union against other universities. However, the club is more than just this – one of the fundamental beliefs of the group, is to give back to those less fortunate than themselves. Every year they commit to several charity efforts including Movember, and the Brighton Half Marathon, typically raising upwards of £15,000 for various charities.

In the past, the club ran the Brighton Half Marathon, which returns to Brighton seafront on Sunday, February 26, for the RFU IPF, a rugby charity helping rugby players with spinal and brain injuries, an outstanding charity the club holds truly dear to its heart, as it cared for one of the club’s alumni years ago. However, this year the club expressed an interest in fundraising for a new cause and decided on mental health.

Finn Urmston, Vice President, University of Sussex Men’s Rugby Club explains more:

“We debated whether to run for an environmental, physical health or mental health-based charity, and the overwhelming response was mental health. Being young men, we are aware of the hardships that struggling men are going through, particularly with our huge dedication to Movember (for which we raised >£4,300 this year), which is why I believe the uptake and interest for a mental health charity was so welcomed.

“I searched for the best fitting charity related to combating mental health issues, and came across GrassRoots Suicide Prevention. They are local to Brighton and are tackling some of the most sensitive and important issues that are going on in not only our community, but the whole of the UK (and rest of the world). These things made GrassRoots such a great fit for us.”

“We all play a sport that we love, not only for the physical benefits but also for the mental benefits that come with socialising, exercise and being active. We are also aware of those who are not as fortunate as us and see no other way out, so we are just trying to do what we can to help change the landscape of suicide today – as a tightly-knit club, it is in our nature to believe that there is always a way through whatever you might be dealing with.”