Comedian named as Brighton Half Marathon starter

Comedian and actor Joe Wilkinson has been announced as the official race starter for the upcoming Brighton Half Marathon.

Thousands of people will flock to Brighton on 2 March to take part in the race, which raises more than £1m for Sussex charities each year.

"I'm really looking forward to starting this year's Brighton Half Marathon and then being beaten by about 99% of those runners," said Wilkinson.

Other famous faces set to take part include Chris Oliver, from Channel 4's SAS Who Dares Wins, broadcaster and presenter Bobby Seagull and actor Craig Parkinson.

The stars are all running for the race's main partner, HIV charity The Sussex Beacon, in support of its Formula Milk Programme.

The programme provides free formula milk for babies of 20 mothers living with HIV.

"The Sussex Beacon is a wonderful charity and it's an honour to support them in any way I can," Wilkinson said.

This year's event will be held on Hove Lawns for the first time. The youth races take place on 1 March and the half marathon, wheelchair race and Sussex Beacon Charity Relay the following day.

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