Hundreds of runners, young and old, took part in this year’s Brighton Half Marathon and the Half Marathon Youth Races last weekend, raising over £18,000 so far for Rockinghorse.
For the third year running Rockinghorse were the official charity partner of the Youth Races that took place on Saturday 28 February, the day before the main Brighton Half Marathon on Sunday.
Around 600 young runners took part, with 82 running in aid of Rockinghorse, in a range of age categories, getting things going with the youngest runners in the first races which began at 12.30pm.
The event gave youngsters the unique opportunity to experience the buzz of race day, just like their older counterparts who were taking part in the adult race the following day.
Every young runner taking part received a special t-shirt and medal to show off to their friends and family, along with prizes for the winners in each of the age categories.
One young runner, 7-year-old Jett Evans, ran to raise money for Rockinghorse after his dad Oli told him about the work we do.
Jett has so far raised an amazing £840 for us – a fantastic amount! He said, “I wanted to raise money for Rockinghorse to help children get out of hospital. I really enjoyed the run, and I want to do the half marathon when I grow up.”
So far, the amazing Youth Race runners in team Rockinghorse have raised over £11,300 to support other children in their local community.
Winners of the 7-8 age group Youth races. Theo, left and Lucy, middle
Then on Sunday morning the main half marathon took place, starting at the same place as the Youth Races on Hove prom.
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t quite as nice for the adults as it had been for their younger counterparts, but this didn’t stop the fun, and it kept its reputation as the Happiest Half!
There were 20 people running for Team Rockinghorse in the event who have so far nearly £7,000.
The Rockinghorse cheer squad got their waterproofs on and took their place at mile 10 to cheer on all the runners through the wind and rain, managing to see most of the team as they passed by.
Sophia, one of the runners in team Rockinghorse, decided to support us after the experience she had after her daughter was born.
She said, “My daughter Benazir was born in February last year with undiagnosed tracheo-oesophageal fistula and oesophageal atresia. She spent a period in the Trevor Mann Baby Unit and had subsequent admissions to the Royal Alex.
“I started running in the post-partum time to do something when I felt like there was nothing I could do. I wanted to take some of the pain away from Benazir. We saw and felt the impact of Rockinghorse during our time in hospital (snacks, toys, vein finders) and wanted to give something back.”
Another runner, Ashrafur Farhad, was running along with his colleagues Rachel Kelley and Frazar Nagosa as part
of a team from local pie makers Higgidy.
Ash enjoyed the run, despite the weather. He said, “Thank you so much for all the support from the Rockinghorse team on the day.
“The weather definitely made it tougher than expected, but it was a great experience and I’m really proud to have completed my first half marathon in support of Rockinghorse. Seeing the cheer point gave a real boost when it was needed most.”
The team have so far raised nearly £800 but that’s not the end. Eight other team members are continuing their fundraising for us as part of The Samworth Challenge in the Peak District later this year.
Jules Billings, Fundraising Manager from Rockinghorse said, “We were so proud of everyone who took part in the Youth Races and the Half Marathon this weekend for Rockinghorse.
“Even the blustery and rainy couldn’t dampen the fantastic atmosphere at both events, and we loved cheering on all the amazing runners who are all making a difference to local babies and children.”
The money raised by all the runners will go towards helping hundreds of babies, children and young people throughout Sussex.
So, if you’ve been inspired to sign up for a challenge after seeing the runners in this year’s half marathon and the youth races, just take a look at our events page here to sign up for your own event. Or email jules@rockinghorse.org.uk to register you interest in the 2027 Brighton Youth Race or Half Marathon.
