Thousands through the finish line at Brighton Half Marathon 2019

This year just under 8,000 runners took part in the event, passing several of the city's landmarks along the 13.1-mile route, including the Royal Pavilion, piers and Hove beach huts. Related stories: Spot your friends and family at the Brighton Half Marathon start line Runners set off in Brighton Half Marathon? Crowds cheer Brighton Half Marathon runners in Hove It was the 29th year of the Brighton Half Marathon, organised by HIV charity The Sussex Beacon. Many of the runners were raising cash for charity, and last year’s event raised around £1 million for good causes. Charities set to benefit include organisers The Sussex Beacon, children’s hospice Chestnut Tree House, domestic violence charity RISE, mental health charity Mind, and many more. Some of the more unusual outfits seen on the course this year included two dinosaurs, Spiderman and two Scooby Doos. The races Matt Rees, The Welsh Runner, started the sounding klaxon for the half marathon at 9.30am. The men’s elite race featured a podium of Pauls - Paul Navesey took first place, setting a new course record in a time of 64 minutes and 56 seconds; followed by last year’s winner and Irish Olympian Paul Pollock, in 66 minutes and 35 seconds; third place went to four times race winner Paul Martelletti in 67 minutes and 6 seconds. The women’s race was incredibly tight, with Fiona de Mauny storming home in 80 minutes and 26 seconds, narrowly beating Emily Proto, who finished in 80 minutes and 46 seconds. Third place went to Rose Penfold, in a time of 81 minutes and 20 seconds. Tiaan Bosch, won the wheelchair race, with a time of 53.28. Jazz Turner, was the first female finisher, in 1 hour, 50 mins and 21 seconds. Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, started the sounding klaxon for the Youth Race at Hove Lawns at 9am. Hundreds of seven to 17-year-olds took on the one-mile sprint along the seafront. More stories: Everything you need to know about Brighton Half MarathonCompostable cups and canned water at Brighton Half Marathon this year Race director Martin Harrigan said: “What an incredible race we had today – stunning weather and two amazing new course records set by Paul Navesey in the men’s race and Tiaan Bosch in the wheelchair race. But, the biggest shout out must go to all the amazing runners, families, spectators and volunteers who turn up every year and make The Grand Brighton Half Marathon such an incredible event! We couldn’t be more grateful to you all. "I would also like to say a huge thank you to our headline sponsor, The Grand Brighton hotel and all of the other sponsors and charities who support this fantastic event." Andrew Mosley, general manager at main sponsor The Grand Brighton said: “We are delighted to have been headline sponsors of The Grand Brighton Half Marathon for the second year running. It is a fantastic event, and together with The Sussex Beacon and all of the other race partners, we are dedicated to developing the race. We are already looking forward to next year! It’s always a joy to see our beloved Brighton community come together and raise funds that make a real difference to such a lot of people. Well done to all that took part.” Edit: Earlier we reported just under 12,000 runners took part in the Brighton Half Marathon. Organisers confirmed this evening (February 24) that 8,000 runners started the race.