London to Brighton events

Finish line of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, 2005.

The route along the A23 (and, often, nearby minor roads) from London to Brighton in south-east England is popular for races, tours, charity rides and rallies. The route was originally popularized by the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run begun in 1927 for cars built before 1904 and re enacting the original 1896 Emanicipation Run, which was held on 14 November 1896 to celebrate the passing into law of the Light Locomotives Act which raised the speed limit to 14mph and did away with the need for a person to walk in front of a mechanised vehicle waving a red flag to warn other road users. In 2007 531 cars participated and over ninety percent of them finished the course. The 2008 LBVCR has attracted a maximum 550 vehicle entry with 126 international entries from as far away as Australia, Canada, USA, Argentina and South Africa.

The route is full of great contrasts, passing through the London suburbs of Westminster, Brixton, Croydon and Purley, past Gatwick Airport, Crawley and then into the beautiful countryside of The Weald, crossing the North and South Downs. Ditchling Beacon on the South Downs (near but not part of the A23) is a steep climb followed by a gentle descent for five miles into the seaside resort of Brighton, where the route finishes on the promenade by the Kings Road arches. The current London to Brighton Veteran Car Run does not use the route past the Ditchling Beacon but follows the A273 road up Clayton Hill and rejoins the A23 at Pyecombe.

Seafront display of Minis after a London to Brighton drive

A bicycle ride to raise money for charity takes the route each summer. About 30,000 cyclists take part. The toughest part is the climb over Ditchling Beacon; having already cycled some 50 miles (80 km), cyclists must then tackle a 1 km climb with an average grade exceeding 1 in 8 (12 percent). Several sections are somewhat steeper, and the vast majority walk up. The British Heart Foundation has been involved with the London to Brighton Bike Ride since 1980. Since then more than £40 million has been raised to help fund pioneering research, patient care and vital information and over 650,000 riders have taken part.

A classic ultramarathon running race takes this route each October, starting on Westminster Bridge in the centre of London, and finishing at The Level in Brighton. This is a distance of 54 miles, 198 yards (87.085 km). The race has been organized by the Road Runners Club since 1953. However the course has been raced over at least since the early 19th century, and regularly since 1899. The race is low-key with just over one hundred runners taking part. The fastest may finish in well under 6 hours, whilst there is a time limit of 10 hours after which the course is not marshalled. The future of this particular race is in doubt following a decision by the Road Runners Club not to hold the race in 2006.

Madeira Drive at the finish of an event.

The London to Brighton Mini Run takes place on the 3rd Sunday in May. It has been going for over 22 years. It is the largest London to Brighton, and believed to be the largest one make car show in the world attracting over 2,500 Minis both classic and modern. It is organised by the London & Surrey Mini Owners Club.

The London to Brighton Land Rover Run is an annual gathering of Land Rover enthusiasts organised by the South London and Surrey Land Rover Club. The event starts at Crystal Palace Park and drives down to Madeira Drive in Brighton. The event always takes place on or around the first Sunday in October. In 2006, 814 vehicles took part, with participation increasing every year.

Other London to Brighton events include those for Volkswagen vans and campers, 2CV, vintage motorcycles, Smart Cars, and vintage commercial vehicles. Most events, especially motoring events, finish at Madeira Drive on the seafront.

See also

• Transport in Brighton
• Landmarks and notable buildings of Brighton and Hove

External links

• London to Brighton Veteran Car Run official site
• London to Brighton Mini Run organised by London & Surrey Mini Owners Club
• London to Brighton - Veteran Car Run
• London to Brighton running race
• London to Brighton Land Rover run
• British Heart Foundation London to Brighton Bike Ride
• Cycle Rides Ltd: Managers of the London to Brighton Bike Ride
• MiniWorld - further details on London to Brighton Mini Run
• VisitBrighton - the official tourism website