Runners are being advised to sign up for this year’s Wokingham Half Marathon early to avoid disappointment following the success of 2022.
An estimated 3,000 runners will take to the streets for Wokingham Borough’s biggest running event of the year on Sunday 26 February, with the event attracting elite athletes and fundraisers.
After the event was cancelled in 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions, last year’s race came back strong and was at full capacity, with more than 2,500 people completing the 13.1-mile course.
This featured a new route, which saw the half-marathon pass through the town center for the first time since the event was launched in 1984.
This year’s event will use the same course, starting and ending at Cantley Park in Twyford Road. Younger residents are also being urged to sign up for the Wokingham Children’s Mini-Mile, which was introduced in 2020. The run starts at approximately 10.15am, shortly after the start of the half-marathon at 10am.
Race organizer Chris Sumner said: “We would love for this year to be another sell-out and see as many people as possible sign up for the half-marathon and the mini-mile too. The continued success of the half-marathon is down to a huge amount of hard work behind the scenes, but it is so rewarding when you see everything come together on the day and the fun everyone is having.
“The introduction of the mini-mile proved to be a popular one and a great way to make the day even more fun for families. We are really looking forward to welcoming young people to be part of the event and anyone from four to 14 can register for the mini-mile. Sign up now to make sure you get a place for these fantastic events.”
Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “The Wokingham Half Marathon is always one of the highlights of the year. Not only does it give people a chance to achieve something by completing the run, it is also a vital source of fundraising for lots of good causes.
“The half-marathon course attracts experienced runners, but it is also suitable for those looking to complete their first half-marathon. With the mini-mile also returning, there is something for all the family to enjoy.”
Entry for the half-marathon is £35.50 for affiliated runners (members of UK Athletics) and £37.50 for unaffiliated runners. You must be 17 or older on the day of the race in order to enter. Entries were closed early last year due to demand and there will be no entries on the day.
For the mini-mile, there will be awards in age groups and medals for all finishers. Parents are welcome to run with and support their children on the route and children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult.
Affected roads will be closed from 9am and managed access will be maintained where possible, with all town center roads due to re-open by 10.45am. Roads north of the town center will be open by 1.15pm.
Full details of all road closures are available on the Wokingham Half Marathon website, along with event information, frequently asked questions and parking information.
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