The route from London to Brighton in south-east England is popular for races, tours, charity rides and rallies. The route is of great contrast, passing through the London suburbs of Westminster, Brixton, and Purley, past Gatwick Airport and into the beautiful country side of The Weald, crossing the North and South Downs. Ditchling Beacon on the South Downs 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.

A bicycle ride to raise money for charity takes the route each summer. Tens of thousands of cyclists take part.

A classic ultramarathon running race takes this route each October (October 3, 2004), starting beneath the Clock Tower on Westminster Bridge in the center of London, finishing at The Level in Brighton on the south coast of England. 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 marshaled.

There have also been vintage car rallies between London and Brighton.

External links

• The Road Runners Club's London to Brighton race