Article by BHM

November 6, 2017 at 8:49 am

Race news

Team Beacon Race Day Experience: Bigger and Better Than Ever Before!

Over the last two years of The Grand Brighton Half Marathon, Team Beacon has rapidly grown and over 460 runners have fundraised £66,000 for The Sussex Beacon! Thanks to their dedicated support and generosity, we have been able to give specialist care and support to many people living with HIV.

This incredible accomplishment deserves a celebration. That’s why we have listened to our runners, and have made exciting new plans to maximise the race day experience for Team Beacon. With a brand new substantially bigger team marquee for 2018, we can provide our runners with exclusive baggage area, separate toilets, massage facilities, catering, post-race reception and much more – all in one place in the race village! Thanks to our new sponsor Glencairn Consulting Ltd, our runners will also receive their superb technical Team Beacon running vest straight to their door, so they can train proudly in their team colours. Fundraising resources, competitions, training runs and race day information is just a few taps away with our Brighton Half Marathon Team Beacon Facebook Group, where runners can ask questions and share training tips. All runners will be supported by our Challenge Events Fundraiser, Rosie, from the moment they sign up, to the moment they receive their personalised celebratory certificate in March 2018.

Plans are underway for an unmissable cheer squad, to make some noise for our Team Beacon runners on the course. If you, your friends or family would like to be part of the fun, email our Challenge Events Fundraiser at rosie.hemming@sussexbeacon.org.uk who will be in touch with further information closer to race day.

The Sussex Beacon needs you!

Over 100,000 people live with HIV in the UK, a number which increases every day. With daily medication people living with HIV can lead normal lives, however many suffer with psychological effects and HIV-related illnesses, such as cancer and dementia. The complex combination of HIV and related illnesses require specialist treatment. Brighton has the 2nd highest HIV prevalence in the UK, and access to specialist care and support is vital. With a 10-bed inpatient unit, The Sussex Beacon provides 24 hour medical and psychological care to people struggling with a new diagnosis, starting new medication, recovering from HIV-related cancer treatment and dementia, requiring family services and end of life care. Most of all, it provides a safe, comforting place for patients in their time of need. You can help us continue to offer support to those who need it most.

Click here to find out more and join Team Beacon

Article by BHM

September 28, 2017 at 6:52 am

Race news

We’re very excited to announce that we have a new sponsor for the race – The Grand Hotel Brighton will be our headline partner for the next three years.

Situated on Brighton’s famous seafront (and on our course route), The Grand is one of the most famous buildings in the city, loved by locals and visitors alike. Built in 1864, it’s a luxury Victorian hotel featuring a day spa and its own seafood restaurant, GB1. It is also a fabulous venue for meetings and conferences in the city, with 13  meeting spaces and holding gold accreditation from the Meetings Industry Association.

As our new headline sponsor, The Grand Brighton will be able to give back to the Brighton community in supporting our runners and their fundraising efforts.

Andrew Mosley, General Manager at The Grand Brighton, says: “We are so excited to be the headline sponsor of The Brighton Half Marathon in 2018. As a business, it is so important that we give back to our local community and show support of fantastic and impactful local events such as the half marathon. It is such a popular race, enjoyed by so many residents of Brighton and beyond, and most importantly the funds raised each year make such a difference to so many people.”

The Brighton Half Marathon’s Race Director, Martin Harrigan, adds: “Our new partnership with The Grand is the culmination of a long-term working relationship and we are incredibly excited that they will be the new headline sponsor for the Brighton Half Marathon for the next three years.

“As a business, The Grand Brighton has a passion for running, and over the years they have shown their commitment to the city of Brighton & Hove and their support for community based events – values which we, as an event owned and delivered by a local charity, find incredibly important.

“For the race team, this partnership is a big vote of confidence in our plans for the race, and it provides a fantastic platform to enable us to continue to develop the event over the next three years.”

Article by BHM

May 25, 2017 at 3:19 pm

Race news

If you’re still to sign up to the 2018 race but haven’t quite got round to it, sign up soon as our early bird entry closes this bank holiday Monday (29th May).  You can sign up here.

Article by BHM

April 24, 2017 at 10:30 am

Race news

Article by BHM

February 26, 2017 at 6:48 pm

Race news

The men’s elite race featured a nail-biting finish today as Jonathan Tipper from Kent AC closed in on the front pack in the final stretch, overtaking to storm to the finish line in a time of 1:08:37.

Stuart Hawkes was close behind in 1:08:43, while Neil Boniface from Horsham Joggers followed to claim third place.

Course record holder and four times winner Paul Martelletti unfortunately had to withdraw from the race following a last minute injury but he joined the commentary team to report on the elite race. Sussex runner Kevin Rojas, also a regular on the podium in previous years, also had to sadly withdraw his entry in the race, leaving the race an open field this morning.

In the women’s elite race, Eleanor Davis from Newquay Road Runners stole the show, taking home a course record in a time of 1:14:26, while Emily Proto from Arena 80 followed in a time of 1:21:27 and Sarah Hill took third place in 1:21:32.

Brand-new for 2017, this year’s event included a Wheelchair Race, with eight entrants from around the UK. Rob Smith took first place in the inaugural men’s race, in a time of 1:14:23, while Yasmin Somers came first in the women’s race in a time of 1:49:05.

Article by BHM

February 25, 2017 at 1:04 pm

Race news

Despite the best efforts of Storm Doris midweek, race village is starting to take shape down on Madeira Drive. With more high winds forecast today (before settling down again for tomorrow), for safety reasons we have decided to go for the option of providing a baggage area that is not covered.

Baggage will be in the same location as it usually is (at the bottom of Duke’s Mound), enclosed and secure, but we suggest that you bring along a waterproof bag or bin liner just in case – and of course our normal advice remains on not carrying expensive personal items that might get lost around race village.

See you tomorrow!

Article by BHM

February 22, 2017 at 9:58 am

Race news

To help you get set for race day – and recover afterwards – our brilliant physio partner Sundial Clinics are offering all VBHM 2017 runners a free 20 minute runner’s MOT and 20% off massage before and after Sunday’s race.

Simply show your race confirmation email, race number (or medal after the race) to take part in the offer.

Sundial Clinics have two chiropractic and physiotherapy clinics in Brighton – one on Queen’s Road close to Brighton train station and one in Kemp Town – plus one clinic in London. Find out more and book a treatment here.

Don’t forget too that you can book a massage on race day. Drop-ins will be available, subject to availability, and you can book ahead (up to Friday 24th Feb) in our Shop.

Article by BHM

February 16, 2017 at 4:58 pm

Race news

This race day, look out for the brilliant entertainment from our partner The Grand Brighton‘s Community Stage. Entertainment runs from 9.30am — 12pm in front of the hotel (which is close to miles 7 & 12 on the course – see map here). If you’re running the race you can’t miss the entertainment as you’ll run straight past, and it’s also an ideal place for any spectators. Here’s the line up:

EVENT PROGRAMME
9.30am – Introduction from Jennie Castell
9.45am – Traditional Charleston Dancing from Savoy Kicks
9.55am – Learn some moves with the Savoy Kicks with a Mini
Dance Lesson
10.15am – Bird Studios Stage School
10.40am – Popular music from Will Mavin
11am – Bird Studios Zumba Troupe / Street Dance Group
11.20am – Samba from Marta Scott Dance Company
11.50am – Finale performance from singer Jennie Castell

Please note that all entertainment is subject to weather conditions.

Article by BHM

January 19, 2017 at 5:03 pm

Race news

We’re very pleased to announce that Brighton local DJ Norman Cook – aka Fat Boy Slim – will be the official starter of the race this year.

Norman, one of the city’s most famous residents, will sound the starting claxon at 9am on race day to get the 13.1 mile race around the city underway.

A keen runner himself, Norman is very familiar with the 13.1 mile route, as he has run the race on numerous occasions. In 2016, Norman ran for the charity Young Epilepsy and this year he will once again run the race, after his official race starter duties have ended.

Norman Cook running in the 2016 race

Norman commented: “As a keen runner, Brighton local and seasoned Brighton Half Marathoner, I’m hugely looking forward to starting the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon 2017. The race is renowned for its buzzing atmosphere and each and every year the crowd support throughout the route is just fantastic. The race really brings the city together. It’s great to see so many people – especially those new to running and those running for charities – taking on the challenge of 13.1 miles. Bring on 26th Feb!”

Our Race Director Martin commented: “We’re thrilled that Norman Cook will sound the starting claxon this year to get runners on their way around the city. He’s been a big supporter of the race for years, so it’s brilliant to have him waving runners on for their half marathon journey. We’ll make sure he conserves his energy though as he’ll be joining the crowds to run the race himself!”

Standard entries closed over the summer, but runners keen to enter can still sign up to run for charity. But you’ll need to be quick – charity places close on Sunday 29th January.

Article by BHM

December 27, 2016 at 7:00 am

Race news

Should you stretch before and after a run? Sundial Physiotherapist James Masterson explains.

If I don’t there will be trouble and if I do there could be double, so come on and let me know…should I stretch or should I go?

The great stretch debate has been going on for several years now with lots of conflicting views leaving the average weekend athlete confused and unsure what to do.  It’s a question I get asked a lot as a physio;

“should I stretch before or after exercise and what type of stretching should I do”?

This is a quick and simple guide into the benefits of stretching for warming up and cooling down during your half marathon training.  At this point it’s probably worth mentioning that there is no one-size-fits-all plan; every individual is different and because of the conflicting evidence on this subject this post is partly based on research and personal experience as a runner and physio.

A study by Simic et al (2012) concluded that static stretching as a sole activity during a warm up routine should generally be avoided, as it was found to reduce power, strength and explosive performance. However, the negative effects were only short term and generally returned to normal after 5 to 10 minutes, these negative effects were also unlikely to occur if the stretch was kept under 45 seconds.

Behm et al (2011) documented that dynamic stretching either has no effect on performance or may improve performance especially when the stretching duration is prolonged.  However, the study also went on to say that static stretching used in a separate training session could actually improve range of movement and health.

Confused?  Join the club.

Behm et al concluded that:

“Generally, a warm-up to minimize impairments and enhance performance should be composed of a submaximal intensity aerobic activity followed by large amplitude dynamic stretching and then completed with sport-specific dynamic activities. Sports that necessitate a high degree of static flexibility should use short duration static stretches with lower intensity stretches in a trained population to minimize the possibilities of impairments”.

In other words if you’re doing an activity that uses long drawn out movements such as martial arts or ballet then static stretches may be useful.  However, if you’re a runner then short low intensity aerobic exercise, followed by dynamic stretches and finished off with a few running specific dynamic exercises is likely to be more important.

In my opinion, stretching is very much a personal thing. I tend to spend 10 to 15 minutes warming up with a combination of light aerobic work followed by dynamic stretches and sports specific exercises. When it comes to static stretches this is very much dependent on how much time I’ve already had away from my wife and kids – If I can get away with it I might spend 5 minutes doing short duration (under 45 seconds) static stretches on all the major lower limb muscle groups.

So to conclude, you can find lots of conflicting views and counter arguments for all types of stretches. If you want my advice, do what feels good for you but don’t spend all your none running time stretching!  In my opinion a good balance between warm up, running, cool downs and strength work is the winning formula.

All the best and thanks for reading,

James

Article by BHM

December 20, 2016 at 9:32 am

Race news

RockTape’s medical director explains how to apply tape to help banish those little running niggles we all get every now and again. On race day, RockTape will be in race village on hand to tape up any niggles you might have.

Simple RockTape Applications for common aches and pains

A lot of folk involved in kinesiology taping will tell you that tape should only be applied by a super-special, highly trained, jedi tape ninja. (Actual title may vary).  They will discourage athletes and members of the public from even attempting to self-tape. I don’t really agree with any of that – and bear in mind I am physiotherapist, tape instructor, and tape company medical director!

I think that in many situations, many people can and should consider self-taping. However, there are some caveats and exceptions that I will mention. First and most important: if you have a pain that is any of the following you should see an experienced, competent therapist/medic.

• You have a pain you rate as strong or severe (on a scale of 0-10: 6 or above)
• You have a pain which doesn’t stop or become mild (under 3/10) in any position
• You have a pain which is worsening despite resting it.

Self-taping is best suited to those little niggles, aches and pains.  The ones that don’t exactly stop you in your tracks but nonetheless stop you moving freely, playing your sport, standing at work.  If you are anything like me, and 95% of the world, you know the kind of niggles I mean.

Now before you grab a roll of RockTape and get sticking there are a few things you need to know to ensure you get a safe, effective, lasting application.

THE GOLDEN RULES

• Round all ends of tape: This is not just a cosmetic thing to make your tape look sexy and cool (although it will help with that). The real reason is to remove the sharp edges which can easily catch on clothes etc.
• Apply ends of tape with 0% stretch: Important one this. In order to stop the tape popping off when you move, or worse irritating your skin, make sure that the last few cm of tape is applied with no stretch at all.
• Avoid handling the glue side of the tape: There is no need to put your fingers on the glue side of the tape, every time you do you leave a little grease behind and weaken the glue. It’s not the end of the world if you do; but try to avoid it.
• Rub tape all over to activate: When you lay the tape on your skin it will look and feel like it is well stuck. But unless you rub it all over it will easily lift away from the skin. By giving the top side of the tape a really good rub all over you create a little friction and cause a chemical reaction in the glue making it stick really well.
• To watch a little video of these tips see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIbmiaNBKsk

SIMPLE SELF-TAPING

This is our X marks the spot application: it’s a really easy, simple method that can be used to treat loads of aches and pains in just about every body part.  It takes just 3 simple steps:

1. Put the tissue on stretch
   Get your body into a position that stretches the muscle, tendon or joint that you want to tape. This is usually pretty straight forward, if in doubt just find a position that stretches the skin tight. The chances are this will also have stretched the tissue under it. What is really important is that as you apply each piece of tape you are in this stretch position.
2. Apply fibre tape
   The tape goes on in line with tissue fibres. Apply one end first (with no stretch at all on the tape). Peel the backing paper away and lay the tape without adding or subtracting stretch. Lay the final few cm with no stretch at all
3. Apply decompression tape
   This tape is applied perpendicular or oblique to the fibre tape. The 2 bits of tape should cross directly over your sorest spot, band-aid/plaster style with the paper torn in the middle, the tape stretched 40-80%. Lay each end with no stretch at all
   

That’s it! Rub the whole thing thoroughly all over to make sure it’s well stuck.  It takes about 20 minutes to reach full adhesion, so make sure you wait that long before you get too vigorous with your movement!

You can also find a bunch of ‘how to’ video clips here: http://rocktape.net/how-to-use.html

Here are some examples:

Hamstrings taping

Quad taping

Calf taping

Article by BHM

December 6, 2016 at 1:17 pm

Race news

Article by BHM

December 1, 2016 at 1:59 pm

Race news

Run with #TeamBeacon in the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon 2017, and help The Sussex Beacon continue to provide specialist care and support for people living with HIV. 

In 2016 we had over 250 #TeamBeacon runners hit the start line of the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon, raising a record breaking amount of over £35,500 for The Sussex Beacon!

Running a half marathon is an incredible challenge, and running for a good cause gives you extra motivation to train and reach that finish line! The £150 we ask each Team Beacon runner to fundraise, allows The Sussex Beacon to continue providing our vital services which promote independence and improve health and wellbeing.

Our wonderful Team Beacon runners receive:

•    A technical Team Beacon running vest
•    Access to the primary positioned marquee by the start/finish line
•    Invitations to Team Beacon training runs in Brighton.
•    An invitation to a Team Beacon vest collection and social evening in Brighton
•    A Team Beacon fundraising pack.
•    Support and guidance from our challenge events fundraiser.
•    You will be a vital member of the biggest charity team at the race!

Joining Team Beacon

You can enter here. Choose The Sussex Beacon Charity Entry and follow the steps.

Download our helpful Fundraising Guide which includes: a letter from our CEO, fundraising and JustGiving tips and guidance, a printable sponsorship form, a fundraising planner, and a competition sheet.

Once you have signed up, you may want to set up a JustGiving page so you can start fundraising! Just click https://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/sussexbeacon/teambeacon to see our Team Beacon Campaign and hit ‘Fundraise for us’ to set up your own page and join the campaign.

Save the date! Pop along to the Old Ship Hotel, Brighton, on Friday 27^th January 2017 to meet your fellow runners, share complimentary refreshments and collect your Team Beacon technical running vest.

Any questions? Contact our Challenge Events Fundraiser, Rosie Hemming on rosie.hemming@sussexbeacon.org.uk or 01273 694222.

Now all that’s left to do is train and fundraise – good luck!

Article by BHM

August 5, 2016 at 12:21 pm

Race news

Over the past two weeks, we’ve been holding a special Sporting Summer Prizedraw, with chance to win some brilliant prizes from our 2017 race partners. And this weekend is your last chance to be a part of it!

We have some great prizes to give away – to be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is be entered into our 2017 race. Everyone who has entered the race up to midnight on Sunday 21st August will automatically be entered into the prize draw. Check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to see the prizes up for grabs.

Prizes include:

• 2 x tickets to Brighton’s Theatre Royal, plus travel within the Brighton & Hove boundary courtesy of travel partner City Cabs
• A night’s stay for 2 at our hotel partner The Grand Brighton
• A 3-course meal for 2, plus Prosecco and coffee at our restaurant partner Skyfall
• A Runner’s MOT, hour’s sports massage and post-race massage from our sports therapy partner, Sundial Clinics
• A bundle of RockTape goodies including 6 rolls of tape, 3 sets of Rock Balls and 1 Rock Roller from our sports taping partner RockTape
• A £30 voucher from our Youth Race partner Nick Rivett Sports
• A runner’s hamper packed with running goodies from our event management partner, E3 Group
• A technical running T-shirt from one of our Corporate Relay partners, McKenzie Associates
• A money-can’t-buy VIP Brighton Half Marathon package including access to our VIP marquee on race day with all the refreshments you could need, a 2017 hoodie and T-shirt, iTab, and chance to start the race in the front pack
• Exclusive Brighton Half 2017 hoodies & T-shirts

Simply sign up to the 2017 race before 21st August to be entered into the prizedraw

Terms & Conditions here.

Article by BHM

August 3, 2016 at 4:25 pm

Race news

With summer in full swing (most days), places for next year’s Vitality Brighton Half Marathon are selling fast. If you’re keen to enter the race via a standard place entry, now is the time to do it before sell out – you can enter the race here. After sell out, the only way to get a place is via a charity place.

Our famous Youth Race will also be opening very soon, a chance for young runners aged 7-17 to experience the buzz of race day and run one mile on the course of the main half marathon route. The Youth Race will be opening for registrations soon, so keep an eye out if your child or someone you know is keen to take part.

Article by BHM

June 15, 2016 at 12:41 pm

Race news

Keen to sign up for our 2017 race next February? Standard pricing closes at the end of June, so if you haven’t yet entered, now’s the time to enter before the price hike.

The race date for next year’s race is 26 February 2017. As well as standard entry, you can also choose to enter via a charity place and raise funds for a cause close to your heart. Take a look at our charities page to see our partner charities so far.

Article by BHM

April 1, 2016 at 3:43 pm

Race news

We’re been asked by lots of runners when we’re opening the 2017 race, and we’re happy to announce that the Vitality Brighton Half 2017 is now open for registrations. You can sign up here.

Race date

The race date for your calendar is Sunday 26 February 2017. This year we have a special early-bird pricing offer for runners who sign up before 30th April, so if you’re keen to join us next year, get your spot soon.

Last night we unveiled the race date at our launch evening at The Grand Brighton. See a few photos from the night on our Pinterest page.

Whether you’ve run the race before, or this will be your first ever half marathon, we hope to see you on the start line of the 27th Brighton Half next February!

Article by BHM

February 29, 2016 at 10:48 am

Race news

Keen to see the results and your photos from race day? They’re live!

See your results here.

See your photos here.

From runners and sponsors to charity partners and volunteers, the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon involves huge numbers of people – a massive THANK YOU for being a part of it this year!

See you in 2017! Entries opening very soon…

Article by BHM

February 26, 2016 at 9:16 am

Race news

In the lead up to race day we get lots of questions about the race. The vast majority of these are answered on our common questions page or FAQs pages so please do check these out. In these pages you’ll find the information you need on our most common questions, and lots more, including:

• Park and Ride e-vouchers
• Our pacers
• The baggage facility
• Missing or lost race numbers

We look forward to seeing you on race day!

Article by BHM

February 15, 2016 at 6:17 pm

Race news

Physio Quentin Guichard from our sports massage and injury prevention partner Sundial Clinics gives his advice in the lead up to race day. 

Nutrition
Are you eating well and enough? With the cold weather you’ll burn more calories when running but also in your daily life. If you are tired, catching colds or feeling run down, it might be the season but may also be your nutrition that is suffering. Think about what and when you eat to fuel those cold runs and long days.

Rest
How much sleep are you having during the week and weekends? Sleeping is your body’s way of charging itself up like a battery for the next day’s task; its way of repairing itself. If you don’t charge your battery long enough, it will not power you for very long or very well. Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep but the more active you are in a day the more these good hours of sleep are precious to your body. Skip the sleep and you will feel it!

Strength
Endurance? (Will) power? By now you should have a pretty good idea of your weaknesses. If you feel your muscles could do with a boost, look at these videos by Sundial physio James on 3 strengthening moves for runners and get started! You can alternate between running sessions and strength training to maximise the benefits in the last weeks of your training.

Stretching
To stretch or not to stretch? Most people include stretches in their routine and it’s important to keep flexible and prepare your muscles for a run if you sit most of the day (which lots of us do). Stretching is also an injury prevention tool.

Don’t rush stretching though: A stretch should be held for over 30 seconds and be practised every day. The three stretches I recommend are: Hamstrings, hip flexors and calfs and here is how to do these.

Stay injury free
How are you doing? If you feel your body is letting you down in the final few weeks ahead of the race get it checked out by a physiotherapist sooner rather than later. It might be as simple as a stretch you are not doing.

Massage and stretching service on race day
Good luck for the next couple of weeks and see you on the 28th! Sundial will be in the massage marquee, by the beach. See the race village map here.

Get a massage, it’s good for recovery and a percentage of the proceeds will go to The Sussex Beacon charity. Go to the Shop to book. We’ll also have free access to a stretching area in the massage marquee with people showing you their know-how.

Come and say hello on race day!