Half Marathon runners cheered through campus

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Runners making their way through the Whiteknights campus

Congratulations to all those staff, students, neighbours and friends who took part in the Reading Half Marathon 2010 last Sunday 21 March.

The Whiteknights campus formed part of the route at the four mile stage. Runners entered the campus at the Pepper Lane entrance, ran along past Whiteknights House, around the edge of the sports fields, and continued on their way out through Queen's Drive.

They were greeted by excitable supporters who lined the road through campus. Community Relations Manager, Ann Westgarth, said ‘It was a great atmosphere with lots of people of all ages who were there to cheer on the runners. Some even brought along pots and pans to make lots of noise in encouragement. There were some funny sights amongst the runners, including a camel, a Star Wars Storm Trooper and someone pushing a hospital trolley!'

Ian May, who works in the Facilities Management Directorate, ran in the first ever Reading Half Marathon 28 years ago, and took part this year with his 18 year old son who was running for the first time. Ian said, ‘Running through the University stretch is always a highlight as there are lots of supporters out and about, cheering us on. Also the view looking down Kendrick Road from the top is spectacular, as you can see the thousands of runners up ahead.'

Every year roughly 18,000 people run the race, raising an enormous amount of money for various charities.

Please visit the Reading Half Marathon website for more information.