Where to Park for the Brighton Marathon 2026
Everything you need to know about parking, road closures and getting to Brighton for marathon weekend on 12 April 2026.
Where to Park for the Brighton Marathon 2026
The Brighton Marathon is one of the most popular running events on the south coast of England. It draws thousands of runners and spectators to this vibrant seaside city each year. While it is a brilliant day for participants and supporters alike, it can be challenging for drivers because of road closures and increased congestion across Brighton and Hove.
Whether you are lining up at the start or cheering from the seafront, planning your journey in advance is essential. Read this guide to understand how the streets will be affected, how to navigate the city and the best parking options for a smooth experience.
Brighton Marathon 2026 Event Information
The event will take place on Sunday 12 April 2026. The race starts at Preston Park, with wave times beginning from 09:45 BST. More than 20,000 participants are expected to take on the full 26.2-mile (42.195 kilometre) course, as well as those competing in the Brighton & Hove 10K, which forms part of the same marathon weekend.
In addition to the runners, large crowds of spectators gather along the route to cheer on friends, family and fellow running enthusiasts. The coastal setting makes it one of the most scenic marathons in southern England, with much of the course running alongside the English Channel.
Brighton Marathon Road Closures
The marathon route winds through central Brighton and along the coastline. It begins at Preston Park and takes runners through the city centre, past the Royal Pavilion, out to Ovingdean, back along the seafront to Hove, and finishes on Madeira Drive. Key landmarks along the way include Brighton Palace Pier, the Brighton Marina and the famous seafront promenade.
Because of the scale of the event, extensive road closures are required across the city. Here is what drivers need to know about the main restricted areas.
Preston Park (Start Area): Preston Park is reserved exclusively for race participants on event day. No public vehicle access is permitted.
A23 London Road and Preston Road: These key northern routes into the city will be among the first roads to close, with restrictions beginning from 06:00.
Old Steine and City Centre: Road closures in this area are expected from around 06:30, affecting routes through the heart of Brighton.
A259 Marine Parade, Marine Drive and Seafront Roads: These roads along the coast will be closed during the main race period as runners head out towards Ovingdean and back.
Church Road, New Church Road and Hove: Closures in the Hove area are expected from approximately 08:30 until 18:00, covering the later stages of the course.
Madeira Drive (Finish Area): As the race finish, this road will remain closed until all runners have completed the course.
Road closures begin as early as 06:00 and all roads are expected to reopen by approximately 18:30. Areas around the finish line on Madeira Drive are likely to remain closed the longest.
Stress-Free Ways to Book and Park for the Brighton Marathon
If you plan to drive to Brighton on race day, finding parking can be difficult. Road closures limit access to many traditional car parks and public spaces, and demand far outstrips supply near the route.
The best way to secure a convenient space is to reserve Brighton parking in advance with JustPark. By booking early, you avoid last-minute stress and get reliable access close to where you need to be. JustPark offers thousands of private driveways and off-street spaces, many located outside the main closure zones.
Where to Park for the Brighton Marathon 2026
Find Parking Near Preston Park: If you need to drop off runners at the start, look for spaces in the surrounding residential streets to the north of the park, well outside the closure zones.
Find a Space Along the Seafront Corridor: Access near Marine Parade and Madeira Drive will be very limited on race day. JustPark offers spaces in nearby residential areas to the north and east of the seafront.
Book a Space in Hove: For spectators wishing to catch runners along the final stretch, spaces in the western areas of Hove — away from Church Road and New Church Road — offer a practical option.
Booking early helps you secure a convenient space and save money compared to booking at the last minute.
Using Public Transport for the Brighton Marathon 2026
If you prefer not to drive into the city centre, combining parking with public transport is a sensible approach. Brighton Railway Station provides direct connections from London and across southern England, making it one of the easiest major marathons to reach by train.
You can park further out and use the train or a local bus to reach central Brighton. This is a practical choice if you want to manage costs and avoid the busiest traffic around the course. Bear in mind that bus services will be running on amended routes during the race, so check with Brighton & Hove Buses for the latest diversions and timetables on race day.
Rent Out Your Driveway or Parking Space for the Brighton Marathon
If you have a driveway or private parking space near the marathon route, you can make it available to runners and spectators looking for convenient parking on race day.
Listing your space with JustPark is straightforward and lets you earn extra income while helping visitors enjoy a smoother event day. Brighton space owners are already seeing the rewards — one homeowner near the Royal Pavilion earns over £10,000 a year from just two unused parking spaces, money she has reinvested back into her home. "Definitely, if you've got the facilities, just do it," she says. On a good week alone, her spaces can bring in around £200.
This approach benefits both locals and those travelling into the city, reducing congestion and providing more flexible options for everyone attending Brighton Marathon Weekend.
Plan Ahead for Race Day
Plan ahead to take the hassle out of your journey. A little preparation lets you travel with confidence, knowing you will arrive smoothly and on time to enjoy one of the best events on the south coast racing calendar.
If you are also heading to the capital later this month, take a look at our guide on where to park for the London Marathon 2026 for everything you need to know about navigating race day in the city.
Spaces fill up quickly for major events. Reserve your JustPark space early and arrive ready to enjoy the day.
