Up to 1,000 runners expected to line up for return of Bosworth Half marathon

THE Bosworth Half Marathon returns on Sunday (May 7) for its 20th running after a three-year hiatus.

Up to 1,000 runners are expected to tackle the challenging 13.1 mile course around the picturesque countryside surrounding Market Bosworth starting and finishing at Bosworth Lakeside Lodges, formerly known as Bosworth Water Park.

As well as a large contingent of social runners and charity fundraisers, the half marathon is also a competitive race - the third instalment in the Leicester Road Running League’s nine-race 2023 season.

The race is unique in the LRRL calendar because it offers a £100 cash prize to the first male and female finishers.

In addition there is a £100 prize on offer should any athlete beat the course record, whilst all finishers will receive a commemorative medal.

Striders’ event organiser Linda Whitelegg said: “It’s fantastic to finally be able to celebrate our 20th Bosworth Half Marathon, three years after it should have been held due to the coronavirus pandemic and development work.

“Whilst it’s been frustrating not being able to stage the race, it’s made us absolutely determined to make the 2023 event really memorable.

“Not only will we have hundreds of local people running just for the fun of it, there will also be the serious business of an LRRL race, with hundreds of club athletes from across the county taking part.

“Competition at the front will be fierce, as it always is at league races, but for most competitors the challenge is just to complete what is a testing undulating course running through some beautiful countryside around Market Bosworth.”

The age limit for the half marathon, which starts at 10am, is 17 and all entrants will be chip-timed, with both team and age category prizes on offer at V40, V45, V50, V55, V60, V65, V70 and V75.