MORE than 90% of places in this year’s Wokingham Half Marathon have already been snapped up and entrants include the course record holder.
The annual road race, which starts and finishes at Cantley Park, will take place on Sunday, February 21.
Last year, more than 3,000 runners took part in a bid to beat the record set by Phil Wicks in 2012.
He ran the route in 1hr 3min and 14sec.
Organisers are offering a £500 cash prize to anyone who can run a faster time than the Belgrave Harriers runner, who will be back to defend his title.
Organisers say that he will be given a run for his money by John Beattie, from Newham and Essex Beagles and Carwyn Jones from Cardiff AC.
Also contending will be two Olympic athletes: Paul Pollock and Kevin Seaward who are in the Irish squad for this year’s Rio games.
A spokesperson said: “With the fast Wokingham course, and given good conditions on the day the record could be at risk.”
The record in the female race is held by Liz Yellings, who ran the course in 1hr 11mins and 9sec.
She will be competing against runners from across the country including Caryl Mair Jones from Swansea AC and Emma Stepto from Cornwall AC.
As well as the £500 prize for breaking the course record, there will be prizes for the first three men and women back, as well as trophies for the category winners. All finishers will receive a medal.
The event is not just about the big race, as fun runners will be welcomed too, with a large proportion making the entry field.
Peter Evans, chairman of the race, added: “The organisers would like to thank the sponsors David Cliff Estate Agents, Mitsubishi Motors and solicitors Herrington Carmichael for their support, together with Wokingham Borough Council for providing the use of Cantley Park on the day.”
To download an entry form, log on to www.wokinghamhalfmarathon.co.uk.
Entries can be made on line or posted to: Wokingham Half Marathon, PO Box 54. Wokingham, RG40 2JW.
