THOUSANDS of participants donned their running gear and hit the pavement for the annual Reading Half Marathon today, Sunday, April 12.
Participants from around the country, and even some from around the world, took to the starting line in the 42nd edition of the event.
It sees seasoned runners and novices taking on a 13.1-mile route from Green Park through the University of Reading, looping through the town centre and past Prospect Park before concluding in the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Ahead of the start of the run, Cllr Tony Page, mayor of Reading, said: “I’m particularly grateful to those running for my charities, and it’s a great day weather-wise.”
Reading East MP Matt Rodda said he was disappointed not to be running himself: “I’ve injured my hamstring, but I’m here to support everyone here on such a fantastic day.
“The runner’s are all very excited, and the atmosphere is really mounting up.
“We’re going to raise loads of money for charity, including Reading Refugee Support Group– it’s a wonderful cause and a great day out.”
One of the charities which will benefit from the day’s fundraising is the Royal Berks Charity.
Millie, a co-ordinator at the charity, said: “It’s epic to be here– so many people are here and they’re very excited.
“We’ve had so many people come over to find out more about the charity and make donations, which will go towards supporting hospitals in Berkshire.
“It covers all departments, all patients, in its support, funding stuff both for healthcare departments and the wider community.”
At 10.15am, Cllr Page sounded the air horn, marking the start of the race, with some participants donning their fancy dress for the event, including a flamingo and a parrot.
After little over an hour, the first runner passed the finish line, with Ben Cole posting a time of one hour, five minutes, and 39 seconds.
He said: “It’s probably the biggest race win I’ve ever had, in terms of the size of the race.
“I ran it pretty evenly, and while it was warm there was a nice breeze, so the conditions were pretty good.
“Reading Half has some of the best you’re ever going to get in a UK event, especially around the centre, and I enjoyed it from start to finish.”
On posting his time, he said: “I was over the moon with my time, and it was a personal best by a few seconds, I think.
“You can’t ask for more than that.”
He was closely followed by Tom Higgs, who posted a time of one hour, six minutes, and fifty seconds; and James Connor, less than a minute behind with a time of one hour, seven minutes, and 41 seconds.
Mr Higgs said of placing second: “I was running for South London Harriers and I’m very happy to get into the top three.
“It’s always a strong field at Reading, I think I beat my personal best by a couple of seconds too.
“It’s not the easiest route, but there’s always great support around the course, and we always really appreciate that.”
Kate Estlea-Morris took the top spot in the women’s category, posting a time of one hour, 14 minutes, and 26 seconds.
She said of topping the category: “It’s my first time running the race, so I didn’t really know what to expect, but the crowd in Reading is just insane, so good.
“I started further back and worked my way through and then found out I was the first lady.
“It was perfect temperature, really, and though the route is hilly, I’m quite strong on hills, so I quite like having the variation in pace.”
She was closely followed by Cassie Thorpe, who ran the course in one hour, 15 minutes, and 24 seconds; and Rhianne Hughes with a time of one hour, 17 minutes, and 55 seconds.
The top three in both categories were awarded respective medals and a commemorative plaque by mayor Tony Page and Sir John Madejski.
Organiser Judith Manson said: “We extend our thanks to the mayor and to Sir John Madejski, who joined the runners at the starting and finishing lines.
“Entries were up on last year, and it’s growing every time– now entries are open for next year’s event.”
