The 2023 Brighton Marathon is set to go ahead under new management, following news that the current organisers of the event, Grounded Events, are going into administration.
Brighton & Hove City Council councillors have agreed a plan that will see London Marathon Events given a licence to deliver the Brighton Marathon event from 2023. The deal will be for three years in the first instance, with an option on an extra two years at the council’s discretion.
It was only on November 11 that Grounded Events confirmed to the council that they would not be able to pay debts owed to participants and local businesses relating to the 2022 event. According to the council, this came after months of them saying they would be able to do so.
Martin Osborne, co-chair of the council’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture Committee, said: “The Brighton Marathon these days has a national and international reputation. It is hugely important as a fundraising event for charities, and for bringing money into the local economy. I’m pleased that we have been able to agree a way for it to take place next year.
“We’ve had months of what have turned out to be false reassurances and broken promises from Grounded Events. I am appalled that they have left so many charities, local people and businesses – and of course the council – out of pocket.
“London Marathon Events has experience of running one of the world’s biggest marathons. I’m sure the 2023 Brighton Marathon will be a massive success. I believe event has a bright future and will go from strength to strength in the coming years.”
