New features give Chichester Half Marathon a boost

Details of the new features of the Chichester Half Marathon have been unveiled.
Action from the 2015 half marathon / Picture by Kate ShemiltAction from the 2015 half marathon / Picture by Kate Shemilt
Action from the 2015 half marathon / Picture by Kate Shemilt

The race has proved hugley popular since being revived in 2012 and now the organisers have freshened it up with some new events and the chance to win extra prizes.

The city-based charity Children on the Edge will stage the race in conjunction with Chichester District Council on Sunday, October 9.

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It will start at 9am in Westgate and finish at the nearby Chichester College race HQ.

There will be, for the first time, the possibility of starting and finishing with the half-marathon race but cutting out three miles to make a multi-terrain ten-miler.

This will give the runners the benefit of running through the city and climbing two thirds of the Trundle, with all the splendid views of the Solent, but without the challenge of the final climb to the summit. There will also be a shorter route back to the Lavant Valley.

Organisers are also introducing a three-person team relay. This event will have the same start and finish as the half marathon and be run over the same course but the route will be completed by a team of three different runners.

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There will be three categories – three male runners from an athletic club; three female runners from an athletic club; three runners of either sex representing a works team, a bona-fide club or family and friends.

The course will be divided into three legs and each runner takes a different leg. Leg one is from the start to the Royal Oak at East Lavant – a distance of about 3.6 miles; leg two is from the Royal Oak to the Dean at West Dean – a distance of around 3.8 miles; leg three is from the Dean to the finish – a distance of about 5.9 miles.

To be eligible to compete all runners must be 15 on October 1, 2016, and if under 18 have the consent of a parent or guardian. To qualify as a finishing team all three runners must cover the full distance of their leg.

The works trophy proved popular when it was introduced for the first time in 2014 and features again. Early indications are that many more businesses are considering entering this year’s event.  

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Any organisation or business can enter as many people as they wish to compete for the trophy. But it is the first three finishers on race day who will make up the scoring team. 

Each workplace registering five or more runners is eligible to receive a complimentary training workshop from the organisers and any business signing up more than ten runners will have the tenth place free. 

Once the Works Trophy team members are registered, the team manager needs to email [email protected] with the team name and a list of competitors who have entered.

Prizes will also be given for the usual team awards and also back is the King and Queen of the Hill competition. Male and females will compete with each other to see who is the quickest climber of the Trundle between two points – Seven Ways Car Park and the end of the flint track at the point where the course starts to go round the summit.

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Chip timing mats will be placed at the beginning and end of the Hill section which will be marked with beach flags and bunting. To be eligible runners must enter the half marathon, start the race in Westgate, complete the hill climb section and be a recorded as a half marathon finisher.

Prospective runners should get their entries in early to ensure a place. The race limit cannot be exceeded.

You can sign up at www.chichesterhalfmarathon.co.uk where training advice is also available.

GRAHAM JESSOP

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