THOUSANDS of runners will take to the streets of Reading as the town’s favourite race returns on Sunday, April 2.
The Unleashed Performance Reading Half Marathon will see elite and enthusiastic amateur participants take on the 13.1-mile course, which starts and finishes inside the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
A shorter Green Park Challenge will also take place alongside the main half marathon.
As usual, there will be a number of road closures around the route, full details of affected roads can be found on Reading Borough Council’s website (see below).
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s lead councillor for culture and leisure, said: “The Unleashed Performance Reading Half Marathon is a major event in Reading’s calendar, as well as being one of the largest Half Marathons in the country.
“It is recognised as being one of the key annual events for runners nationally and brings huge numbers of visitors into the town. The race is famous for superb crowd support, a great atmosphere and an unbeatable finish.
“Why not come out along the route and show your support for the thousands of runners who will be taking part?
“As always, there will be a number of road closures throughout the day. This is necessary to host such a large road race and residents are asked for patience and cooperation during the short time the race will be passing around Reading.
“I would encourage residents and visitors to check their journey plans ahead of Sunday, April 2. There is a residents’ helpline available on the day on 0118 937 2771.”
Those negotiating the half marathon are due to gather at Green Park for a 10.15am start when they will then embark on a scenic trip around Reading, taking in the university campus before making their way into the town centre.
Runners will head west before travelling southbound down the A33 Relief Road towards the finish line.
A series of rolling road closures and diversions will be in place at a variety of times between 7am and 3pm. Roads will be reopened as soon as runners have passed through and it is safe to do so.
Residents and visitors are being asked to plan ahead and allow extra time for any journeys they intend to make on the day.
There will be around 700 people manning the route on race day.
For more information on road closures, visit: www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/things-to-do/events/reading-half-marathon/
