The Simplyhealth Great South Run, Portsmouth
Why? The Birthday shindig
The Great South Run celebrates 30 years this October and plans to be bigger and better than ever! The only event where you get to run through an active naval base and the Portsmouth historic dockyard, home to King Henry VIII’s beloved Mary Rose. Launched with just 2,000 runners in 1990, almost 400,000 have crossed the finish line to date – cheered on by thousands of spectators and Pompey residents. Choose from either the 10-mile run, 5K or the Simplyhealth Junior and Mini Great South Run.
Sunday 20th October 2019
www.greatrun.org/great-south-run
Cardiff Half
Why? Wales’ biggest
Now part of the SUPERHALFS race series – the Cardiff University, Cardiff Half is Wale’s biggest road race and takes in all the main highlights of Cardiff – including the iconic Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Bay.
Sunday 6th October 2019
www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk
Baxter’s Loch Ness Marathon & Running Festival
Why? The stunner
What’s not to love about running in the Scottish Highlands? Particularly alongside the legendary Loch Ness – the most voluminous lake in the UK with its own resident monster! This family-friendly event also includes a 10k, 5k and the ‘Wee Nessie’ race for the kids.
Sunday 6th October 2019
www.lochnessmarathon.com
Royal Parks Half Marathon
Why? The Sustainable One
This stunning Half Marathon will see 16,000 participants run through London’s spectacular green landscapes, including four Royal Parks: Hyde Park, The Green Park, St. James’ Park and Kensington Gardens. The Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada, has become one of the first mass participation events, of its size in the UK, to go plastic bottle free! Expect bio-degradable cups at the water stations; eco-friendly race shirts made from bamboo and recycled bottles and medal made from FSC-certified Beech Wood.
Sunday 13th October 2019
www.royalparkshalf.com
Wiggle Manchester Half
Why? To bag a PB!
The Wiggle Manchester Half is a fast, flat and closed-road route with no major hills, making it perfect for bagging a PB. The 13.1-mile challenge welcomes 16,000 runners, of all abilities and is known for the amazing support from the local crowds.
Sunday 13th October 2019
www.manchesterhalfmarathon.com
Chester Marathon
Why? One race, two countries!
This stunning course meanders through 19 miles in England and 7 miles in Wales. Soak up some of Chester’s rich history – including Roman Walls, Medieval Rows, the Cathedral and Eastgate Clock – before crossing the border into beautiful North Wales countryside. The MBNA Chester Marathon is also celebrating its 10th event and will be hosting the inaugural ‘All England Marathon Club Team Championships’.
Sunday 6th October 2019
www.activeleisureevents.co.uk
Shrewsbury Half Marathon
Why? A hilly run through medieval history
Starting and ending in Shropshire’s Country Showground, this much-loved course offers a stunning mix of scenery and history. Weaving along steep narrow streets in the town centre – home to 600 listed buildings with black and white timber-frames. You’ll also get to giggle at the plethora of obscure street names as you run along Dog Pole, Mardol Head and Grope Lane, to name a few! Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Shrewsbury Library, once a school attended by Shrewsbury’s most famous son, Charles Darwin. Sunday 6th October 2019
www.shrewsburyhalf.co.uk
Alcester 10K
Why? A run through Shakespeare’s land
The Alcester 10K is back for its fifth year, starting and finishing in the ancient market town, set amidst the gently rolling hills of Shakespeare’s England. Just eight miles west of Stratford-Upon-Avon, the route takes runners on a single loop through the stunning country lanes of Warwickshire. You’ll also find a free-to-enter 1km Kids Fun Run and plenty of inviting pubs and cosy tea rooms, for post-race feasting.
Sunday 6th October 2019
www.alcester10k.com
Best of luck to everyone running in these events this month and to all the organisers! Don’t forget you can celebrate your journey with an iTAB and personalise your finisher medal with your name and time.