ONE OF the biggest dates in Reading’s calendar returned last weekend, bringing thousands from across the borough and the country to take on the town’s iconic ‘half’.
The stage was set for the Green Park Reading Half Marathon, with the 13.1-mile route laid out and blue skies setting almost perfect conditions as participants took to their marks on Sunday, March 22.
At the starting line in Green Park, those taking part were joined by the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles, Sir John Madejski, and Olympic sprinter and British Athletics Champion Laviai Nielsen.
After a flying start, the course passes through Whitley, moving north through the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus, and into the town centre.
After winding through central Reading, runners passed along Oxford Road where, at mile 8, they were greeted by a street party taking place outside the Nag’s Head Pub in Russell Street, which saw DJs, dancers, and drag queens cheering on participants.
From there, the course follows along Tilehurst Road, turning back on itself by Prospect Park, and proceeding along the Bath Road, through the A33, and back to Green Park for a jubilant conclusion at the finish line in the Select Car leasing Stadium.
Among the more than 10,000 people taking part were a team from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, who undertook the challenge while carrying a full firefighting ladder between them for the duration of the course.
They were joined by runners in a veritable rainbow of costumes, including a bearded wizard, characters from Spongebob Squarepants’ Bikini Bottom, a pair dressed as gaming icons Mario and Luigi, a team running in tandem as a caterpillar, and one participant who carried a full-sized rowing machine on his shoulders for the full route.
Rob Corney was first past the finish line, posting a time of just 1:06:47, and Kate Estlea-Morris retaining her title as the women’s race winner for the third time in a row, with a time of 1:14:55.
Mr Corney said following the result: “It felt so great, especially at my home race– I was so glad to finish, but the conditions were perfect today. Not too hot, not much wind, just perfect.
“It’s so much fun, and Reading on Half Marathon day is probably the best day of the year in the town, the town centre’s completely different.
The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Mpofu-Coles, said on the day: “It’s amazing to be here– it’s my local, so I’m here every year.
“It’s so great to see the start, to see the number of people, the great weather, and to see Reading so cheerful–such a good spirit in the community.
“I wanted to motivate those taking part at the start line; we we’re cheering their names, and energising them.”
Judith Manson, Race Director, said ahead of the marathon: “This event is a highlight of Reading’s sporting calendar–it’s fantastic to see the community come together, whether running, volunteering, or cheering to create such an inspiring and uplifting day.”
Application to take part in next year’s Green Park Reading Half Marathon are now open.
More details and application available via: readinghalfmarathon.com
