A MAJOR new running event has been added to Worcester’s sporting calendar with the first city half marathon due to take place later this year.
Following on from the success of the Worcester City Run event, the half marathon has been added to the event line up and will take place on Sunday, September 17.
The event is being organised by Worcester City Council and Events of the North, the company run by Olympic silver medallist Steve Cram.
The 13.1mile route will take in some of the city’s well-known and historic landmarks, as well as the surrounding countryside.
Launched in 2014, the Worcester City Run event has attracted thousands of runners each year, including big names like Paula Radcliffe, Jo Pavey and Jenny Meadows.
Mr Cram said: “The Worcester City Run has been a great success story and it’s been fantastic to witness how residents of the city have taken the event to their hearts.
“Participation has grown year on year and we’re really excited that Worcester City Council has given the green light for us to add a half marathon to the programme.
“I’m certain that runners will enjoy the route that we have planned and we’re building some excellent local partnerships with Freedom Leisure, the University of Worcester and Worcester Samaritans.
“I think that we can all look forward to an even bigger and better Worcester City Run weekend in September.”
The 10k run is also returning this year, along with the Young Athletes Run.
However, the Worcester City Run-Bike-Run event is taking a break in 2017 to allow organisers to successfully integrate the new half marathon.
Mayor of Worcester Coun Paul Denham, added: “The Worcester City Run is now a major milestone in Worcester’s annual sporting calendar, attracting thousands of runners every year.
“It’s an exciting part of the city council’s commitment to ensuring we have a healthy and active city, and I’m confident the new half marathon will make 2017’s event more popular than ever.”
