ON SUNDAY, March 23, Reading Half Marathon returned to town once again.
Participants from across the UK and the world took to the starting line in the 43rd edition of the event which sees seasoned runners and novices alike pounding the pavement on a 13.1-mile route.
The course begins in Green Park and leads through the University of Reading, looping through the town centre and past Prospect Park before concluding in the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Runners take part for fun, in memory of loved ones, or in aid of charities, and this year saw the event teaming with charity partners Sport In Mind, Sue Ryder, Babies in Buscot Support, and the Berkshire Healthcare Charity, as well as the Royal Berks Charity, Berkshire Women’s Aid, Camp Mohawk, Daisy’s Dream, and Reading Pride.
The day began with good conditions–temperate, but slightly cloudy– before the rain set in as the last of the runners crossed the line.
David Nilsson placed top in the men’s category, completing the course in little over an hour, and return participant Kate Estlea-Morris topped the women’s category for the second year in a row shortly after.
Mr Nilsson said: “Having completed it in under one hour and five minutes means it was my best time in almost three years, and the conditions were perfect.”
Ms Estlea-Morris said: “There was a bit of pressure going into it, and there was a nice little battle with the person in second place around the half-way mark.
“You never know what’s going to happen, so I just emptied the tank and hoped for the best.”
Among the participants were runners dressed as Big Ben, Super Mario, and a man dressed as a bride, as well as myriad tutus, superheroes, and those wearing tributes to loved ones.
More information about Reading Half Marathon, including how to sign up for next year’s event, is available via: readinghalfmarathon.com
