Entries open and early bird pricing confirmed for Ramathon 2018 – The Derby Half Marathon
The organisers of Ramathon, the Derby Half Marathon, have confirmed that due to demand Very Early Bird entries for the 2018 event have been extended and will close on Friday 30th June.
The 2018 Ramathon will take place on Sunday 3rd June 2018 and the pricing structure is designed to rewards the earliest entrants with the lowest entry fees.
Until 30th June, the Very Early Bird fee for the half marathon is £24 affiliated / £26 non-affiliated. Between 1st July and 31st October, an Early Bird entry fee is available for £25 / £27. The Standard rate of £27 / £29 applies between 1st November and 24th April, and a Late rate of £29 / £31 applies between 25th April and 18th May 2018.
Entries for Ramathon 2018 opened three days after a highly successful 2017 event which saw thousands of runners cross the finish line under sunny skies at Derby County’s Pride Park Stadium, home of Derby County FC.
Many runners at the race on Sunday 4th June reported having achieved a PB thanks to the flat and fast course which ranks Ramathon as one of the flattest half marathons in the country. The mostly level route through Derby city centre and out to the scenic Elvaston Castle Country Park makes the race ideal for runners of all abilities, from those setting out on their first ever half marathon through to club runners and professional athletes.
Adding to the appeal are the smooth running of the event, the first-class facilities at the race village and the iconic Ramathon medal, all of which make the Derby Half Marathon a highly attractive race in the summer calendar.
The 2018 event will be the fifth Ramathon and it is expected that Very Early Bird and Early Bird entries will be snapped up fast as loyal fans and runners new to the event secure their place at the best price.
The race is a popular platform for charity fundraising and will once again be welcoming a large number of runners raising money for its national and local charity partners.
The Mini Ramathon will also return in 2018 and is always a highly anticipated part of race day. Giving young runners and their families the chance to experience the excitement of a big sporting event, this 2-mile fun run starts and finishes at Pride Park Stadium while the half marathon is taking place and receives enormous support from spectators. Mini Ramathon entries will open later this year.
Race Director Richard Kay commented, “After a hugely successful 2017 event, we are delighted to launch the 2018 Ramathon Derby Half Marathon and confirm the pricing structure. Now is the chance to sign up and benefit from the lowest early bird prices for this flat and fast race in beautiful surroundings, where outstanding spectator support and a friendly Midlands welcome are a given. We pride ourselves on hosting a welcoming and professional event for all the family to enjoy, and we are already working on making our fifth anniversary race our biggest and best yet.”
Toby Spencer (handicap -4.2) from Coventry Godiva Harriers won the 2017 race in 67:56, one second ahead of the previous year’s winner Stuart Spencer (handicap -4.3) , and Becky Rigby (handicap -0.1) from Preston Harriers claimed the women’s title in 76:52.
Ramathon 2018 will enjoy the same high standard facilities for its race village as in previous years. Ramathon’s Stadium Square, in front of Derby County’s Pride Park, provides an excellent base for runners and spectators to watch all the sporting action and explore the many facilities and activities on offer, including retail stands, partner stands, baggage storage, running club tents, charity stalls, catering options, a Kids’ Corner and live entertainment. The Ramathon team are currently working on plans to extend the area of Stadium Square and to provide more entertainment in 2018 in both the race village and around the course.
Very Early Bird entries for Ramathon 2018 are open until 30th June 2017 and cost £24 for affiliated athletes and £26 for non-affiliated athletes. After this period, the following entry fees apply: 1st July - 31st October £25 / £27; 1st November – 24th April £27 / £29; 25th April – 18th May £29 / £31.
Included in the 2018 entry fee is a commemorative Ramathon medal, a technical finisher's t-shirt, a pre- and post-race massage, a downloadable finisher’s certificate, a secure baggage area and water and fuelling stations.
You can save further by using the runbritain online entry system, which is FREE for the runner!
Visit www.ramathon.co.uk for further details and to register, like Ramathon on Facebook and follow @RamathonHalf #DerbyHalf #Ramathonon Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news.