Swindon Half-Marathon 

Lucky date proves a hit as half marathon numbers soar by a third

 

Hundreds of people have caught the running bug ahead of this year’s Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon.

 

With two months to go, almost 900 people have registered for the 13.1-mile event – an increase of a third from the same period last year.

 

 

But organisers are reminding anyone who hasn’t already entered that there is plenty of time to get their entries in.

 

The Chinese lucky date of 10-10-10 has been chosen for the half marathon and associated five-mile multi-terrain race and two-mile fun run, while prize money is also on offer to the top-placed runners in the half marathon.

 

Interest in this year’s race has been boosted by the forming of Swindon Shin Splints, a free running group that aims to help runners of all abilities train for any of the three races.

 

The group, which meets every Saturday morning at Coate Water, regularly attracts between 50 and 60 runners to each session and has more than 131 members.

 

“Last year more than 2,800 took part in the three races and we want to beat that total this year," commented event manager Helen Maine.

 

"It’s fantastic that so many people have registered so early, but we want those entries to keep coming in. We’ve got the Corporate Challenge again this year and of course we’ve added prize money and pace makers for the top runners in the half marathon in an effort to make this year bigger and better than ever.”

 

Organised by Swindon Borough Council’s Leisure Services Team and sponsored by Nationwide Building Society, the half marathon starts on the southern edge of Swindon and winds its way through some of the prettiest neighbouring villages, taking in outstanding views, which more than compensate for the undulating parts of the course the runners face before heading back into the town.

 

The British Heart Foundation will again administer all event registrations, including on-the-day entries for the multi-terrain and fun run. Half marathon competitors must be aged 17 or over on race day and anyone running the multi-terrain must be 15 years or over.

 

The two-mile fun run is for all the family but children under eight must be accompanied by an adult who has also entered the race. All finishers in all of the races will receive a medal, t-shirt and a goody bag along with the satisfaction and achievement of crossing the finish line.

 

Anyone wishing to take part in this year’s Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon should call the registration line on 0800 169 3672 or log onto the website via the link below...

 

Information about Swindon Shin Splints can also be found on the website.