Brighton Marathon Virgins Release Statement Celebrating First-Time Runners and Future Support Initiatives
Brighton, UK – In the wake of an inspiring and emotional Brighton Marathon weekend, the Brighton Marathon Virgins community — an informal but fast-growing support group for first-time marathon runners — has released a statement celebrating its members’ achievements and outlining plans to provide even greater support to novice participants in future events.
The statement, issued via social media and the group’s website, thanks the wider Brighton community, race organisers, volunteers, and spectators for creating an inclusive and empowering atmosphere for newcomers to marathon running.
“This year’s Brighton Marathon was not just a race — it was a transformative journey for so many of us who once thought 26.2 miles was an impossible dream,” the statement begins. “We ran with nerves, excitement, and grit, and we crossed the finish line as different people than when we started. We are proud to now call ourselves marathoners.”
The group, affectionately known as “the Virgins,” was created as a peer-to-peer support space for individuals attempting their first marathon. It has since grown into a vibrant community offering training advice, mental health support, motivational check-ins, and meet-ups for first-timers feeling daunted by the challenge ahead.
In the statement, the group acknowledges the challenges faced by many new runners — including injury risk, imposter syndrome, and balancing training with daily life — and calls for increased visibility and support for beginner runners within larger athletic events.
“For many of us, this wasn’t just about physical endurance. It was about battling anxiety, self-doubt, past failures, and proving to ourselves that we could do something extraordinary,” the statement reads. “We believe more structured resources should be made available for first-time marathoners, and we look forward to working with race organisers to advocate for this.”
The Brighton Marathon Virgins community also paid tribute to those who were unable to finish the race due to injury or medical reasons, affirming that “starting is a victory in itself” and encouraging them to continue their running journey with compassion and patience.
Looking ahead, the group has announced plans to:
- Launch a mentorship programme pairing experienced marathoners with first-timers;
- Host free monthly training runs and Q&A sessions in the lead-up to the 2026 Brighton Marathon;
- Create a downloadable “Brighton Virgin’s Guide to the Marathon,” offering beginner-friendly training tips, race day advice, and emotional preparation;
- Advocate for more charity places and discounted entries for underrepresented runners and low-income participants.
“We want everyone to know that they belong at the start line — no matter their background, pace, or doubts,” the statement concludes. “We’re not just running a marathon. We’re building a movement of everyday people doing extraordinary things.”
The Brighton Marathon Virgins invite all first-timers — and anyone who remembers being one — to join their community as they lace up for the future.