Race Director Colin Cottell is excited ahead of this year’s Shifield 10k which takes place on Monday, May 1.
The Shinfield 10k, which first began in 1985, provides a great opportunity for people to lace up their running shoes whether they are new to the sport or experienced.
“Entries have really picked up in the last couple of weeks and we’re expecting many more people to enter before online entries close on 27 April,” said Colin, a member of Reading Roadrunners, the race’s organisers.
Race organisers are expecting strong representation from local clubs, especially Reading AC, Bracknell Forest and Reading Joggers, Reading Roadrunners and Shinfield Running Club.
Matthew Green, last year’s winners has vowed to defend this title, while James Suarez from Shinfield Running is expected to compete strongly for the first local prize.
Beginning at School Green Shinfield, the route takes in many of the area’s quiet lanes, as well as some of the newer roads, drives, and avenues. With a short section on well-maintained paths, a few mild undulations and slopes, including a fast downhill section into the finish at School Green, the route is full of variety.
The race is organised by Reading Roadrunners, one of the largest running clubs in the South of England, with support from local sports charity The Shinfield Association, and in association with Shinfield Running Club and Shinfield Parish Council.
From its first staging in 1985 when 610 runners completed what was then called the Shinfield Fun Run, the Shinfield 10k has always involved the whole community.
Shinfield Scouts continue to provide the water station. Honeysuckle Day Nursery, Grant & Stone, Courtiers based in Henley and Vistry Group are this year’s sponsors.
Over its three decade span, Shinfield has raised more than £110,000 for Reading Roadrunners’ charities and The Shinfield Association, helping the latter to maintain the area’s sports facilities, including the Recreation Ground.
Online entries close on Thursday, April 27.
Subject to the race limit not being reached, entries will be available on the day.
For further information, please contact: shinfield@readingroadrunners.org