Race is on for Isle's first half marathon
TWO FORMER international athletes have joined forces to stage the Isle's first-ever half marathon, around which there's to be a real 'festival' atmosphere.
About 50 people have already signed up for the event, to be staged on October 3, and organisers Julian Moorhouse and David Tune of Metres to Miles in Epworth's High Street hope to attract at least 250 more.
"This part of the world is ideal distance running country, with few hills and open vistas," said former international cross-country runner Julian. "Because it's a flat course it has broad appeal for those looking to run over that distance for the first time, and also offer runners the opportunity to record personal best times," he said. "The rural setting and accessibility are also great."
They hope hope to attract runners with a broad range of abilities, and not just from our area. Already thay have an entry from a group of London-based runners, who will be jogging the disance for the first time.
They stress that their event, for which they have already secured a sponsorship package from sportswear brand Saucony, is for everyone, no matter what their ability.
With Epworth Market Place closed to traffic on race day, runners will start there before going up Albion Hill, then turn into Rectory Street, Greengate and Hollingsworth Lane before returning to the Market Place and then going out to Owston Ferry, along the Trent bank to West Butterwick and Beltoft before coming back to the finishing line in Epworth Market Place.
The 'main event' will be preceded by a short race for families around the same loop of streets. "That's open to anyone, so we expect to have mums with children, pushchairs, and dogs on leads taking part," he said.
"We also need to put something back into the community, so will be encouraging runners to collect a few pounds in sponsorship in aid if Lindsey Lodge Hospice," said Julian. "If we have 300 runners each collecting at least a fiver for the Hospice, that's a worthwhile sum," he said.
The festival feel will be created through a group of retailers organising a diverse programme of activities and attractions to take place throughout the day. "We need to have something for friends and family of competitors to do during the event," said Julian.
Chairman of the traders' group is David Wardle of the Jonathon David chocolate shop. He said: "We've invited local bands, children's entertainers dance groups craft stalls and much more. It's our first event, and we hope everyone who comes will have an enjoyable day."
The race starts at 10.30am. Entry forms are available from the Metres to Miles shop, or on line from.metrestomiles.co.uk.Anyone who doesn't want to compete, but who is prepared to volunteer for marshal's duties, is asked to contact the shop.
Metres to Miles has already staged a number of races, including a women's 5km run, a five-mile event from Owston Ferry with 200 competitors, and a 'grand national' style extreme trail race, incorporating stream crossings and jumps.
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Weather for Epworth
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
