National Express goes the extra mile for the Grand Brighton Half Marathon
National Express is saving the day for runners and spectators of next month’s Grand Brighton Half Marathon by putting on extra coach services from London to Brighton, when no train services are available.
The special service will give those going to the event on Sunday 24 February, an alternative means of travelling while the train line between Three Bridges and Brighton is closed for rail engineering works.
The race organisers, The Sussex Beacon charity, have teamed up with the UK’s largest coach operator to run the special early service to enable runners to get to the start line on time. £3 of every booking made online will go direct to the charity that provides specialist care and support for people living with HIV.
The race will see runners and spectators from all over the UK assemble in Brighton, with approximately 4,000 people expected to be travelling from London and south of the capital.
The extra service will leave London’s Victoria Coach Station at 6am, stopping at Sutton Rail Station before completing the two hour journey at the race village in Brighton.
John Boughton, Commercial Director at National Express, said: “We are pleased to be able to help get runners and supporters race-ready and to the start line in good time.
“The special early departures have just one stop on route, allowing those travelling from south of the capital to board at Sutton Rail Station where there are good rail connections from the surrounding area as well as plenty of parking options.
”Our coaches will have special access to some of the roads that are closed for the event to enable us to take passengers straight to the start line. And because not everyone can run like Mo Farah, passengers can book their journey home on any of our regular scheduled services to suit them.”
Martin Harrigan, Race Director at The Sussex Beacon, said: “We are delighted to have teamed up with National Express to provide a dedicated coach service from London direct to the race village.
“Due to the rail disruption over race weekend we encourage all runners and spectators coming down from central and south London to take advantage of this service."
The Grand Brighton Half Marathon is organised by Brighton charity, The Sussex Beacon, who provide specialist care and support for people living with HIV. General entry into The Grand Brighton Half Marathon is sold out, however, there is still time to sign up for a charity place before Sunday 3 February.
For more information visit www.brightonhalfmarathon.com.