MORE than 12,000 runners took to the streets today for the tenth Brighton Marathon – and what a spectacle it was.

Huge crowds lined the route to cheer on family and friends and complete strangers, nearly every one of them running to raise money for a worthy cause. The day is expected to raise some £6 million for scores of charities.

The day was blessed with perfect weather – bright sunshine but with a nip in the air to keep the runners cool.

Many were dressed in costumes including a Stormtrooper from Star Wars, Superman, Spiderman and even a zebra.