Football legend Poyet official starter for Brighton Marathon
In a coup for Grounded Events, organisers of the Brighton Marathon, Gustavo Poyet has today been named Official Starter for the third Brighton Marathon which takes place Sunday April 15th.
After starting duties in Preston Park, Poyet will be at the finish line to welcome the elites as they cross the line before handing out the prizes at the awards ceremony.
“Having Gus as Official Starter for our third race in the same season when the local football club has taken giant strides forward, is a real privilege and fitting too as we like to think that our race has enhanced the profile of Brighton and Hove as a city of sporting excellence,” said Race Director, Tim Hutchings.
“On top of this, the number of runners he’ll send on their way in Preston Park this year will far outnumber those of our first two races.
“It’s also appropriate that in 2012, his achievements as a player - which were in their own way quite Olympian - have recently been given more exposure and that experience, combined with his inspiration, are clearly taking the club to a completely new level.
“Every Albion fan – and by extension every city resident - now enjoys a real sense of pride and anticipation. I’m convinced the club will be a Premiership outfit in the not too distant future and Marathon runners identify with this same application and determination that he’s shown. I’m sure they’ll love seeing him at the start, at the finish and handing out the prizes.”
The Uruguayan star has enjoyed a glittering career in English football, first as a player, then as manager of local team, Brighton and Hove Albion.
After playing for Zaragoza in the Spanish league for seven years, Poyet moved to Chelsea, where he won the FA Cup, Cup Winners Cup and Super-Cup against Spanish aristocrats, Real Madrid.
He finished his playing career at Tottenham Hotspur, but returned there as Assistant Manager in 2007 to help guide them to their League Cup win over Chelsea in 2008.
His name has recently been linked once again with the London club with current manager Harry Redknapp in line for the England job.
Poyet took over the Brighton club in 2009, enjoying immediate success by taking them to the League One title.
The club recently enjoyed a fine Cup run to reach the last 16 before going out to Premiership giants Liverpool last weekend.
