Virtual London to Brighton Challenge

One of Britain's best-loved rides, made virtual. London to Brighton runs about 90 km (roughly 56 miles) from the capital, over the rolling North Downs and the famous Ditchling Beacon climb, down to the Brighton seafront. Route Rally turns every synced cycle, run or walk into progress along it, so you can take on this classic from wherever you train and watch your marker roll towards the sea.

  • Route: London to Brighton
  • Distance: 90 km
  • Elevation gain: 987 m
  • Short, classic seaside ride
  • Best for: First rallies, short private rallies, and quick group wins

Why this route

  • London to Brighton is one of the UK's most famous rides, a roughly 90 km (56 mile) run from the capital to the Sussex coast.
  • As a virtual challenge you cover the distance in your own time, with no event day to enter and no need to ride it all at once.
  • The short distance makes it a perfect first Route Rally goal, or a quick target for a club or office team.
  • At a steady 150 km a week on the bike you would finish in days, while runners and walkers can take it on across a few weeks.
  • It pairs the pull of a well-known route with a distance almost anyone can complete.

Highlights

  • Set off from London, the traditional start of the classic ride
  • Build distance over the North Downs and the Ditchling Beacon climb
  • Finish on the Brighton seafront, one of the coast's best-known spots
  • Take it on solo, or share it with a club, workplace team or group of friends

Common questions

How does my activity actually count?

Connect your activity tracker to Route Rally and every kilometre you log adds up automatically. Your marker moves along the route as new activities sync, with nothing to upload and nothing to enter by hand.

Do I have to live near the route?

Not at all. Walk, run or ride wherever you usually train. The route is a virtual target, so your local roads, treadmill miles and weekend rides all push you closer to Brighton.

How far is London to Brighton?

The Route Rally route covers about 90 km, or roughly 56 miles, from London to the Brighton seafront. The classic real-world ride is a similar distance, which is part of why it is such a popular one-day goal.

How long does it take to cycle?

At a steady 150 km a week it is done in well under a week of riding, and many cyclists finish the distance in a single weekend. A more relaxed 75 km a week stretches it to a fortnight. You set the end date when you create the rally, so the pace is yours.

Can I run or walk it instead?

Yes. The same route works as a running or walking target. Runners covering 40 km a week finish in a couple of weeks, while walkers building 30 km a week arrive in around a month. Every activity you sync counts.

Is this a good first virtual challenge?

It is one of the best. The distance is short enough to finish quickly, so you get a satisfying, recognisable win before stepping up to a longer route like LEJOG.