Train passengers asked to plan ahead amid station closures for packed Brighton Marathon Weekend

Train passengers using two stations in Brighton are being asked to plan ahead as the city’s marathon means they will be closed until 11am on Sunday morning.

Tens of thousands of runners will arrive with their friends and family for the start of the marathon, in Preston Park on Sunday morning, before hitting the city’s streets for 26.2 miles – and train operators Southern and Thameslink are taking steps to make sure everyone gets to the event safely.

It means that on Sunday, April 6, Preston Park and London Road stations will be closed to passengers until 11am to prevent overcrowding on their smaller platforms.

Nearby Brighton station will remain open all day with event marshals on hand to help runners and spectators find their way to the start line.

Jenny Saunders, Southern and Thameslink’s Customer Service Director, said: “With so many people taking part in this year’s Brighton Marathon Weekend, we are closing Preston Park and London Road stations on the morning of the event to avoid overcrowding.

“Instead, passengers will be asked to travel via Brighton station itself, which is only a short distance away. Here there will be plenty of space to marshal runners and spectators in safety.

“Good luck to everyone taking part in the marathon this weekend!”

Some 20,000 athletes will take part across the programme of events on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6.

The Marathon finish line, and 10K start - on Hove Lawns - is a short walk away from both Hove and Brighton stations. At the busiest times, queuing systems may be in operation to help safely manage the expected crowds, especially for the return home.

Engineering works are also taking place on the East Coastway line near Lewes on Saturday and Sunday. This means buses will replace trains on services towards the town from Brighton, Haywards Heath and Seaford.

Trains that usually run between London Victoria and Eastbourne, Hastings and Ore will be diverted to run between London Bridge and Brighton. An amended train service will also run between Polegate and Ore.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Brighton Marathon Weekend encompasses the Brighton Miles, Brighton and Hove 10K and Brighton Marathon races – up to 20,000 runners will be taking part over the course of the weekend.

Engineering work is taking place at Lewes, closing all lines, meaning buses will replace trains between:

• Three Bridges and Lewes via Plumpton
• Haywards Heath and Plumpton (minibus)
• Plumpton and Lewes (minibus)
• Lewes and Polegate
• Brighton and Seaford via Lewes
• Brighton and Polegate

Trains that usually run between London Victoria and Eastbourne / Hastings / Ore will be diverted to run between London Bridge and Brighton. An amended train service will also run between Polegate and Ore.