Olly Alexander named as Brighton Half Marathon starter

Olly Alexander has been named as the official race starter of this year's Brighton Half Marathon.

The actor and award-winning singer-songwriter will officially start the race on 1 March.

"It's an honour," said Alexander, who was the UK's Eurovision entry in 2024 and starred in Channel 4's It's a Sin. "I can't wait."

He said he would be "jumping straight" into the race to support Sussex Beacon's team once it was under way.

Alexander added he had "fallen in love" with the Brighton-based charity, which supports people living with HIV.

"The work they do... is so important and vital," he said.

More than 10,000 people are expected to run the 13.1-mile (21km) seafront course in Brighton and Hove, according to organisers.

Alexander will be joined on the start line by Chris Oliver, from SAS Who Dares Wins, and comedian and TV presenter Zoe Lyons.

Amanda from Season 4 of The Traitors is also set to welcome runners to Team Beacon.

Brighton Palace Pier, Royal Pavilion, West Pier, the i360, Brighton Marina and Hove beach huts are among the sights on the route.

The race raises more than £1m for charity every year, organisers said.

The Yeomans Toyota Wheelchair Race will also take place on 1 March, while Youth Races are set to take place on 28 February.

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