READING is gearing up for one of the biggest dates in the town’s calendar tomorrow, the Reading Half Marathon.
Participants come from around the world to take part in a 13.1-mile run around the town, including some of its most recognisable landmarks and institutions.
Two separate races take place, as the main event is complemented by the Green Park Challenge, a shorter, more accessible race open to anyone.
Organiser Judith Manson said: “It’s been running for 42 years now, it has seen many kinds of different races and start lines, and this will be my 11th year of organising it.
“It’s got such a great history, and it’s so well respected across the country; we’ve got runners coming from all over.
She explained: “Most parts of the route are really accessible as a spectator, and the community really comes out to support it.
“And that really gees the runners along and makes it special – that’s something that participants take away with them, that level of support.
“We have a group of charities we work with; Cancer Research is our headline charity and has been for a number of years, and that’s really important to us.
“Most of our partners are local, including the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, Babies in Buscot, The Royal Berks Charity, and Sport in Mind.
“We have some new ones this year too: Berkshire Women’s Aid, Camp Mohawk, and Starting Point are all new to the event this year, raising vital funds for communities and services in Reading.
“And, of course, runners themselves raise money for other charities too, including four or five who have run it every single year.”
The full route begins in Green Park, passing through Bennet Road and Hartland Road, through Shinfield Road, and then through the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus.
From there, it goes through Christchurch Road and Kendrick Road, before weaving through the town centre, including through the Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens.
Runners then head along Tilehurst Road, past Prospect Park, and along the A33 before culminating in the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
“It goes through the University, which is a great part of the route, and all the scaffolding has come down from the abbey, which it passes through.
“And we pass through Forbury Gardens, with the Maiwand Lion, which features on this year’s medal.”
“It’s a really lovely route.”
The event sees collaboration between organisations around Reading as well as the efforts of volunteers and organisers.
Ms Manson said: “We want to thank all of the volunteers who’ll be out there on the day, and of course our entertainment, as well as Reading Borough Council for their support.
“We really couldn’t do it without the support of our runners and clubs, it’s a great community spirit.”
Road closures begin from 5pm today, Saturday, April 14, with Bennet Road and Whitley Wood Lane closed for preparation works.
From 6am on Sunday, April 14, roads around the route will begin to close, including the A33, Shinfield Road, and Island Road, which will all be closed after 9am.
A full list of road closures is available via: readinghalfmarathon.com/pages/travel-information
Full details about the event, including sign up for next year’s event, via: readinghalfmarathon.com
