INDEX sport On your marks,
get set,
Sunday 26 February 2012, is set to be bigger and better than ever before. Attracting close to 2,800 runners, it is now considered one of the top road-racing events in the South East, and appeals to both Olympic hopefuls and charity fun-runners alike. The 13-mile course is not for the fainthearted however, with some lung-busting hills, including the infamous Spring Hill at Penshurst, which tests the runners to their limit. The route takes in a picturesque loop through Bidborough, Penshurst and Langton Green villages and finishes back at the Grammar School for Boys on St John’s Road.
T Organised by volunteers
from the host club, Tunbridge Wells Harriers, the event is the biggest mass-participation sporting event in the town and generously donates all profit directly to charity. Over the last four years, the race has raised over £60,000 for some worthy local causes including Hospice in the Weald, and this year it is supporting the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust and the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre in Tunbridge Wells.
“Key to the success of the event is the support of local businesses, sponsors and volunteer groups,” explains race director, Sarah Russell. “We are proud to work with some fantastic businesses such as Lifestyle Renault, who is our title
www.indexmagazine.co.uk
he Lifestyle Renault Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon, which is taking place on
cash bonus is up for grabs for the first runner to break the course record! The male record has stood since 1999 when an incredibly fast time of 65:33 was set by local runner Barry Royden. Double Olympian Liz Yelling set the ladies record in 2011 of 73:56.
sponsor, and also Spire Hospital, AXA PPP, the Royal Wells Hotel, Courier Newspaper group and local retailer, The Running Hub in Southborough. We simply couldn’t put the race on without this support”. In addition, the organisers rely heavily on local community groups such as scouts, guides, local schools and the Rotary, and this is a vital partnership for everyone involved. “The scouts who help on our water stations, for example, earn a badge for their community efforts’ continued Sarah, “so it works really well for everyone and it brings the whole community together”. 2012 will be the 29th year for the event and it continues to go from strength to strength. Last year the race was opened by local heroine Dame Kelly Holmes, and Race Ambassador was paralympic runner, Richard Whitehead, double leg amputee and world record holder for the marathon. This year the race is set to attract some of the top runners in the UK and £1,000
“Every year the race becomes more exciting and the buzz gets better and better. We love what we do and we’re very proud of the standard of organisation and the feedback we get from runners,” continues Sarah. “In fact, we have just been voted the number two Half Marathon in the UK by readers of Runners World magazine, which is a fantastic achievement and testament to the hard work of the organising team, volunteers
and the club.”
For anyone wishing to take part, however, the race is now sold out. Places may be available via one of the race charities (Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust or the Cardiomyopathy Association) and runners are encouraged to visit the race website (see below). If you happen to live on
the route, though, or know someone taking part in the race, the organisers are urging you to come out to give them a cheer! Official, spectator points will be at the Chafford Arms in Fordcombe, Lifestyle Renault in Langton Green and The Royal Wells in Tunbridge Wells.
For more information about the race or road closures, see the website
www.twharriers.org.uk
go!
The Lifestyle Renault Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon 2012 is not for the faint-hearted, as Race Director Sarah Russell tells us
21
The INDEX magazine February 2012
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