Early bird registration open for Oxford Half Marathon
After a successful pilot event in 2011 the Oxford Half Marathon is back for 2012, taking place on Sunday 14th October 2012.
Starting and finishing at the Kassam Stadium, a new UKA licensed route has been introduced for 2012 which can accommodate up to 6,000 runners. After the start in the rural Oxfordshire countryside surrounding the Kassam Stadium the route goes through the impressive MINI Plant Oxford and past the Iffley Road Track, known as the Roger Bannister running track where Sir Roger Bannister ran a mile in under four minutes for the first time ever on 6 May 1954. Runners will be passing the blue plaque which records the event on their way towards the city centre, with Oxford’s iconic dreaming spires and world famous university college grounds coming into sight. After crossing Folly Bridge the route heads south onto Abingdon Road and finishes in the Kassam Stadium, home of Oxford United Football Club. Bands will be positioned along the route to cheer on the runners and to create an inspiring carnival atmosphere.
Registration for the Oxford Half Marathon 2012 is now open, with limited early bird places available at £26 for affiliated runners or £28 for non-affiliated runners. On top of the £3 discount early bird entrants will benefit from preferential priority parking on site. Race numbers are limited to 6,000 and all finishers receive a medal, a goodie bag and a Brooks technical t-shirt.
The organisers commented: “We are excited to bring the Oxford Half Marathon back for 2012 and would like to express a big thank you for all the support we have received so far. We have taken the feedback from the pilot race on board and look forward to delivering an even bigger and better race in the Olympic year!”
James Bellwood from Crawley AC won the 2011 race in a personal best time of 71 minutes with Great Britain Olympian Liz Yelling taking the ladies’ title in 74 minutes as part of her training for the 2012 London Olympics.
MINI Plant Oxford has been announced as the Headline Sponsor for the Oxford Half Marathon for the 2nd year, whilst Brooks Sports is the Sports Brand Partner, Up and Running the Sports Retail Partner and BBC Radio Oxford the Broadcasting Partner for the Oxford Half Marathon 2012.
Oxford based charity Helen & Douglas House, a hospice providing care for children and young adults, has been confirmed as the Official Charity Partner for 2012.
Go to www.oxfordhalfmarathon.com for further details about the race and to sign up now.