Yes, I've confirmed that I'll be taking up my deferred place. So New Forest in September, Brighton in April! Plenty to aim for.

I'm sure Kate can give a bit more detail, but a friend of mine ran it (while I watched/went to the pub), and he said it was reasonably flat.

According to the website, "there are some undulations in the route, principally in the first 11 miles of the race, while the last 15 miles... is either flat or downhill". Sounds fine to me! Take it nice and steady for the first half, then try and pick it up for the second half! 

Thanks Kate. That's exactly what we want to hear!

Yes as Kathryn points out it is a feature we have that relies on help from members sharing their routes. Go to routes and races, races, race routes and then Brighton is under member routes. Click box to see hill profile and move the blue dot to see where they are.

i remeber the cheeky little hill aound Ovingdean but that wasn't why i dropped out last year, the course is very good. The only worry would be if it is windy on the day.

Thanks Andy and Kathryn - really useful.

Wow - flat as a pancake, really. Can't argue with that.

I'm seriously excited about this race. And even more excited about the beer afterwards! I've been teetotal for 40 days now...

How's your training been going Kathryn? What's your longest run so far?

I'm sure you'll be more than fine Kathryn. If you're up to 17 miles already then you're in a great place to be hitting top form for the big day.

It's only my 2nd marathon so I know how you feel in terms of nerves - but I think that's part of the excitement. We know it won't be easy, so overcoming the challenge will be all the more rewarding.

Richard - if we come up against any unexpected hillocks, we know who to blame!! ;-)

I don't want to jinx things Kate, but I'm feeling good. I did 24 miles in 3.49 the other day, so the big question is whether I can shave around 20 secs off per mile. It'll be a close thing but I think that with 8 weeks to go, I've got a chance. As you've said, the experience of having done one before will hopefully help me too. I'm in a good place at the moment and the first 7 weeks' training couldn't have been too much better - but need to keep focused!! And NOT get injured! (please!!!)

I went down to watch it last year Kathryn and it was a brilliant atmosphere - the whole town seemed to really get behind it. I'm honestly becoming a bit obsessed with it, I can barely think about anything else!

Don't fall into the trap of comparing your times to anyone else's though! Every runner is different, the only thing to think about is your personal target. It sounds like you've got a good plan in place, so I'm certain you'll get round, and be pleased and proud with your time.

Less than 4 weeks to go now kids. I'm very excited.