Reading Half Marathon continues to impress in 2017
Over 10,000 runners crossed the finish line of the Vitality Reading Half Marathon this year, but the race itself is celebrating a win of its own. A race results review of half marathons from August 2016 - April 2017 has recognised that the Reading Half Marathon achieved the most sub 80 minutes performances in the UK within this time period.
An impressive total of 203 runners completed the Vitality Reading Half Marathon in sub 80 minutes, with 29 finishing in a sub 70-minute time.
The podium places at the Vitality Reading Half Marathon, in the men’s race, went to Andy Vernon (handicap -6.6), who dominated the race crossing the line in a time of 1:03:08, followed by Chris Thompson (handicap -5.8) in 1:03:39 and Dewi Griffiths (handicap -6.2), who finished in a time of 1:03:54 to take third place.
Andy commented: “I choose to run the Reading Half Marathon because of it’s fantastic reputation as a very quick race and at the start of this year I set myself an ambitious target dip under 61 minutes. Although I didn’t make it this time, I think the windy conditions played a big part so I’m still happy. The course around Reading is fast and reasonably flat so I’d definitely recommend it to anyone chasing a PB.”
In the women’s race, Charlotte Purdue (handicap -1.8), raced clear of the field to take top spot, completing the course in 1:12:15. She was followed by Gemma Steel (handicap -1.1), with a race time of 1:13:37 and Katrina Wootton (handicap -1.6), who took third place crossing the line in 1:14:18.
Charlotte said: “My form coming into the Reading Half Marathon was good, and I was hoping to run a fast race to put myself in contention, but to win it in just over 72 minutes was incredible. I’d heard from lots of people that it was a fast course, and it certainly lived up to that despite the windy conditions. There are only two real hills, and you get the first one out of the way quickly, then it’s an undulating course which makes it faster.I’ve always wanted to run the Reading Half Marathon and now that I have, it’s fair to say I loved it, and will hopefully be back again in 2018.”
The prestigious event, now in its 34th year, has always had a reputation for being a fast course, and therefore has been a consistent race-diary favourite forclub runners and elites chasing titles and personal bests, as well as locals, charity runners and newcomers to racing.
Judith Manson, Race Director, adds: “As an event, we’re renowned for our electric atmosphere, the huge local support lining the 13.1-mile route and the unique roaring atmosphere of the hero finish in the Madejski Stadium, but to find out that we’re also the fastest half marathon this year is fantastic and I think the atmosphere really contributes to this, spurring runners along the whole course! We’re also able to attract a great field because the Reading Half is one of – if not the – best half marathon’s in the country.
We hope this news will encourage more keen runners to sign up for next year’s event to push themselves for a personal best around the fastest half marathon course!”
The 2017 course led runners from Green Park, through the beautiful grounds of Reading University and past the supportive crowds in the town centre, to a momentous finish line moment like no other inside Reading Football Club’s Madejski Stadium.
Moving into its 35th year in 2018, the event is predicted to welcome over 14,000 runners to the half marathon. The course is ideal for seasoned athletes and beginners alike. The 3km Green Park Challenge also provides the perfect option to run together with children and their family.
Registration is now open. Go to www.readinghalfmarathon.comfor more information and to secure your place.
Half Marathon
UKA affiliated club runners £36.00 / All other runners £38.00
Green Park Challenge
£10
Charity Champion
£58
Corporate Challenge
£185
All races include a fantastic medal and a finishers bag at the finish.