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The Unleashed Performance Reading Half Marathon is back this Sunday, and 12,000 runners are expected to take part in the annual event.
It has been disrupted in recent years due to covid but, following a November date last year, it is returning to the town this weekend.
The race attracts charity runners as well as elite athletes and starts at Green Park, before finishing at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The first road closure starts at 7am, and there will be a series of rolling closures and openings through to 4pm.
Diversions will be in place and residents will still be able to access the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s emergency department if needed.
Roads will be re-opened as soon as runners have passed through and it is safe to do so.
Residents and visitors are being asked to plan ahead and allow extra time for any journeys they intend to make on the day.
Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for health, wellbeing and sport, said: “The Unleashed Performance Reading Half Marathon is a landmark event for Reading, as well as being one of the largest Half Marathons in the country.
“As always, there will be a number of road closures throughout the day. This is necessary to host such a large road race and residents are asked for patience and cooperation during the short time the race will be passing around Reading.
“I would encourage residents and visitors to check their journey plans ahead of Sunday.”
For up-to-date information and full details of all affected roads visit www.readinghalfmarathon.com or call the Residents’ helpline on 0118 937 2771.
Main arterial routes in the town centre will remain open:
North: A4074 Woodcote Rd to A4155 to IDR and A4155 Henley Rd to IDR.
East: J10 – A329 Wokingham Rd – London Rd – Sidmouth St – Queen’s Rd – IDR.
West: J12 – Bath Rd – Honey End Lane – Tilehurst Rd – Water Rd & Grovelands Rd – Oxford Rd – Chatham St –IDR.
Access from the South will be restricted as runners get under way.
Visitors travelling into Reading on the M4 are advised to use junctions 10 and12 until 2 pm to avoid delays.
Access to Hospitals:
Royal Berkshire Hospital: Access from London Road; Berkshire Independent Hospital: access from Bath Rd/Berkeley Avenue; Dunedin Hospital: access from IDR – Castle Hill – Bath Rd access lane (allow for delays). Circle Hospital: access via Basingstoke Rd and Manor Farm Road.
All Town Centre car parks will open as normal, apart from Oracle Riverside, which will open at 12.40pm – use Oracle Holy Brook. Smallmead Household Waste Recycling Centre and access to Link Retail Park will open around 3pm.
