10k Run Brighton: Scenic Coastal Path from Black Rock

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 10.0km out-and-back route offers one of the most refreshing and exceptionally flat running experiences on the South Coast. Starting at the iconic Black Rock at the eastern end of Brighton’s seafront, you’ll head along Madeira Drive before transitioning onto the seamless concrete of the Undercliff Walk. With 100% paved surfaces and zero elevation gain, this is a prime course for runners looking to set a personal best or enjoy a steady aerobic session. You’ll be treated to the dramatic sight of towering white chalk cliffs on one side and the crashing waves of the English Channel on the other, providing a scenic, wind-swept backdrop that changes with the tides.

The Undercliff Walk is a historic piece of Brighton’s coastal engineering, originally constructed in the 1930s to protect the base of the cliffs from erosion. Running here feels like stepping away from the bustling city rhythm and into a more rugged, maritime atmosphere. As you pass through Rottingdean and Saltdean, keep an eye out for the unique rock pools revealed at low tide. This area has long served as an inspiration for writers and artists, including Rudyard Kipling who lived just up the hill in Rottingdean. Local runners know this path is best enjoyed early in the morning when the sun rises over the Marina, offering a peaceful sanctuary far removed from the Brighton Palace Pier crowds.