Brighton Marathon 2019: Three-time winner praises 'wonderful city'

Helen Davies won the women's race for the third year running (Photograph: Jon Rigby)

There was a new British course record for the Brighton Marathon men's race this year – with the women's winner taking the top spot for the third time.

The tenth Brighton Marathon took place today (April 14), with the crowds turning out to cheer on 12,000 runners taking on the challenge.

Related stories: Brighton Marathon 2019 live blogBrighton Marathon 2019 - pictures from the raceThe men's race saw Peter Le Grice, 31, set a new British record on the course (previously 2:18:04), running the 26.2 miles in 2:16:23.

Next up was Paul Navesey, 32, with 2:18:17 and Ian Leitch, 43, was third with 2:18:34.

On setting a new British record at Brighton, men's winner Peter said: "That was a real shock, something I can't really comprehend. Unbelievable and I'm thrilled."

It was also his first marathon win. He said: "I've run four, and it's the first I've actually won. What better place to do it, an iconic marathon and place. It's brilliant."

Helen Davies, 39, running for Ipswich Jaffa became the three-time winner of the women's race with a personal best of 2:34:08.

Jill Collett, 36, was second with a time of 2:48:16, and Johanna O'Regan, 36, was third at 2:49:41.

The three men's winners, Paul Navesey Peter Le Grice and Ian Leitch (Photograph: Jon Rigby)

Helen said: "It's absolutely amazing. It's amazing to be back here for the third year in a row, and even more amazing to win it.

"The aim would have been to come back for the hat trick and that's objective achieved.

"It's just a wonderful marathon, a wonderful city, it's a really great experience.