City’s big race is set to keep on growing
Runners are being advised to get entries in extra early if they plan to take part in this year’s Chichester Half Marathon.
Organisers Children on the Edge and Everyone Active expect the ‘race full’ signs to go up earlier than ever as the event continues its steady growth in popularity.
The race, revived in 2012, has built up great appeal and organisers are again expecting big demand from returning and new runners.
Last year numbers were around the 1,000 mark and this year organisers hope to reach the race entry limit of 1,500. The limit cannot be exceeded, however much demand there proves to be.
Entries are now open and in view of the trend of recent years, prospective runners are advised to get entries in early – or miss out.
Staff are well ahead with the arrangements for the race, which will take place on Sunday, October 6.
The challenging multiterrain half marathon features a mix of road, paths, cycle tracks and cross country. It is suitable for people of all abilities over the age of 17 from the beginner to the experienced runner.
It will start at 9am just outside the race village at Chichester College. The course takes in city centre landmarks and spectacular scenery in the Lavant and Goodwood countryside.
Organisers want to encourage anyone who has raced before to sign up again, and anyone running for the eighth year in a row will be given a limited edition T-shirt and goody bag.
If you have run every year since 2012 and are taking part again email chihalf@ childrenontheedge.org
The day will again include two events which featured for the first time in 2016.
There is the chance to start and finish with the half marathon but cut out three miles to make a multi-terrain ten-miler. This gives runners the benefits of running through the city and climbing two thirds of the Trundle, with superb views of the Solent, but without the final climb to the summit and with a shorter route back to the Lavant Valley.
Organisers are checking sections of the course to make the distance closer to ten miles as opposed to the 10.5 miles it was in 2016.
Also retained is the threeperson team relay. The camaraderie this created in 2016 has increased each year, as has the number of teams entering.
The relay will have the same start and finish as the half marathon and be run over the same course but with the route completed by a team of three runners.
Ben Wilkes, executive director of Children on the Edge, said: “We’re really excited to launch the 2019 Chi Half – our flagship fundraising event in Chichester.
“All runners, volunteers and sponsors help us to continue to support the vulnerable children we work with. Everyone can get involved, whether it’s running, volunteering or cheering on from the streets, so please do join us on the big day.” Local sponsors of the first multi-terrain event – Montezuma’s and Store Property – are backing the event again.
Both have directors who are keen athletes.
Stuart Mills, contact manager at Everyone Active, the business responsible for delivering the event, said: “The event continues to go from strength to strength.
“Not only does it present a unique challenge to all competitors, it allows us to raise money for a fantastic charity.”
You can sign up at www. chichesterhalfmarathon.co.uk