This year's half marathon on Sunday 22nd February will see the 38th whole time trainee firefighters course take on more than just running 13.1 miles around Brighton. They will be highlighting their cause by running with sections of a fire fighting extension ladder for 13.1 miles!

The trainees are from East & West Sussex Fire & Rescue Services and are using the half marathon as a way of raising funds for the Sussex Beacon and the Fire Fighters Charity.

You can support the team online at www.justgiving.com/karlsalter & www.justgiving.com/andyparsons1

Come along to watch the half marathon and you'll be able to meet the firefighters and staff involved in the event. They will be based in a large static display area, at the start and finish line on Madeira Drive.

The Coaching for A Safer Community team will be also be there along with an inflatable goal and a whole load of footballs! Also attending will be the Community Safety Unit, with interactive displays and demonstrations as well as representatives from the Fire Fighters Charity, who help over 13,000 men, women and children from the U.K fire community every year.

Karl Salter and Andy Parsons, Watch Managers and Trainers at the Service Training Centre said,

"We'd like to wish all the trainee firefighters the best of luck for Sunday's half marathon. A lot of staff from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will also be running in the event and we're hoping to raise plenty of money for well deserving causes! We'd also like to pass on our appreciation to Red Watch, Preston Circus for their assistance and to all our staff from both East And West Sussex Fire & Rescue Services who have volunteered to help out on the day."

Lucy Brandram, Communications Officer at the Sussex Beacon said,

"The Sussex Beacon is delighted with the support that East and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are offering and all the hard work they are putting into raising funds. We would like to wish them the best of luck with the race."

About the Sussex Beacon Half Marathon

This year's race is sponsored by New Balance sportswear. The route has been developed in close conjunction with the Brighton and Hove City Council, Sussex Police and the Brighton and Hove Bus Company - to ensure the absolute minimum of disruption to the residents of Brighton and Hove.

About the Sussex Beacon

For the last fifteen years the Sussex Beacon has been providing vital services for people living with HIV. The Brighton based Sussex Beacon provides vital services for people with HIV who stay in the ten bedded residential unit or who use the Community Services. Clients needs vary from residential care, to recovery from a hospital stay, terminal care or adaptation to new medication.

HIV is now the fastest growing serious health condition in the UK, and there is still no cure. If you would like to support the Sussex Beacon and raise funds through the half marathon contact the Fundraising Office for sponsorship forms. Call 01273 694222 - during office hours.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service sponsorship

The trainee firefighters will be running in t-shirts that have kindly been provided courtesy of Premier Sports & Leisure

Notes to Editors

To find out more about the half marathon please visit www.beaconhalf.org.uk