Runners from across the UK came out in their thousands to a frosty but sunny Brighton seafront this morning to take part in the Brighton Half Marathon.
People ran for Ukraine, for world records, for loved ones and some just for fun as they took on the 13-mile route from Madeira Terrace past many of the city’s best-known landmarks.
Some of the 10,000 runners even donned fancy dress as they ran for a wide range of charities and good causes, with unicorns, pandas and even a whoopie cushion spotted among the crowds.
One man though went even further and strapped a 60lb fridge onto his back as he continued his bid to bag a Guinness World Record.
Samuel Hammond (aka Man vs Fridge), from Redruth Wales, is a serving Royal Marine with a passion for the outdoors and is raising money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity.
The 29-year-old set out to run a sub 2:45, but smashed this target, with an approximate time of 2 hours and 20 minutes.
He said: "It was really good, there's been a lot of incredible support every step of the way.
"I pushed the pace in the last three miles, and I certainly felt it."
Mr Hammond has been training for the endeavour since July and hopes the groundbreaking run will earn him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Mr Hammond will also be running the London marathon later this year with the fridge, who he calls “Fridget Jones”.
Christopher Pullen, 29, crossed the line to the cheers of his family.
He ran in memory of his father-in-law Peter Openshaw, who died last year.
It was his first half marathon.
"I used to be 18-and-a-half stone, so I've lost all my weight to do this,” he said.
"It's been so hard and gruelling, but I'm really proud."
Mr Pullen was joined by his fiancée Chloe, his two daughters, brother-in-law, and cousin.
Lily Kuzik, 34, from Lviv, came to the UK in September and is now doing her masters at Westminster Business School.
This was her first half marathon, and she was supported by her friend Farah Sam.
"It's been a year since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I wanted to do something memorable to commemorate that,” she said.
"I want to support my country, and Ukraine is always in my heart. My boyfriend, Konstantin, is on the frontline."
Jo Van Rooyen ran the half marathon with her partner David Martin in aid of the Sussex Beacon charity.
Ms Van Rooyen works as a fundraiser for the charity.
She said: "It's an amazing charity.
"We do so many things for vulnerable people, and help them in our community services."
They anticipated a time of two and half hours. Jo added: "I've been supporting this event for the last six years, coming down here and cheering everyone on - So I thought I'd give it a shot."
Paul Navsey’s 2019 record of one hour, four minutes and 56 seconds was not broken this year, but there were plenty of happy winners.
The winner of the wheelchair race was Brighton Half Marathon veteran Gary Cooper.
Mr Cooper, from Northamptonshire, has raced in five Brighton Half Marathons.
He completed the race with a time of 1.05.30, his personal best for this event.
Cal Mills was the first man to cross the line.
Cal, from Harrogate, is studying at the University of Leeds.
He finished with a time of 1.06.37.
"It's mad," he said.
"I can't believe I've won."
Charlotte Ragan was the first woman to cross the line.
The 34-year-old from Basingstoke also won last year's race and said she'd be back for a third next year.
She finished with a time of 1.18.24.
"I felt pressure going in," she said.
"It was tough.
"But it feels brilliant to win."
Race director Martin Harrigan thanked all the hundreds of volunteers, thousands of runners and supporting groups and charities who took part in this year's race.
"We're really really pleased," he said.
"The weather has been incredibly kind to us.
"It's very humbling the support we get."
He added that registrations for the race had now returned to numbers seen pre-pandemic.
The 33rd half marathon to be held in the city was organised by The Sussex Beacon, which provides specialist support and care for people living with HIV.
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