 15th February 2009 – 9.30am
- Starts and finishes at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells.
- Event website www.twharriers.org.uk Organised by Tunbridge Wells Harriers
- Main race sponsor – The Childrens’ Mutual
- Other sponsors: Sainsburys, Montane, Skins, Taut, The Courier Newspaper Group, Sweatshop
- In association with KCC and TWBC
- Supporting 2 charities - The Cardiomyopathy Association and Kent Kids-miles of smiles
The Children’s Mutual Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 15th February 2009. It will be the 26th running of the event and organisers, Tunbridge Wells Harriers, are once again expecting a record number of runners on the start line.
The event is fast becoming recognised as one of the best Half Marathons in the South East, if not the whole of the UK, and attracts 1500 runners keen to take on the challenge of the fast but undulating route. Having donated thousands to local charities over the last 26 years, this year the race proceeds will go to The Cardiomyopathy Association and Kent Kids-miles of smiles. The Cardiomyopathy Association is close to the hearts of the organisers in more way than one. Club member and previous race director, Paul Roome, was recently diagnosed with cardiomyopathy – a genetic heart condition sometimes fatally affecting young athletes. The organisers are keen to promote the work of the Cardiomyopathy Association through the race, raise awareness of this tragic condition through the sport and raise vital funds for the CMA. ‘We hope runners will take the opportunity to raise extra sponsorship for the CMA’ said Sarah Russell, Race Director ‘cardiomyopathy is a condition which is not well known and as a club and race, we wish to raise awareness of what can sometimes be a fatal and tragic end to a young athletes life’. If runners wish to raise additional sponsorship, they can go to the www.twharriers.org.uk website where more information is available.
The race itself is also rather special. With a course record of 65:33 set back in 1999 by Barry Royden of Kent, it proves it’s a fast course, despite having what is fondly known by the organisers as ‘heartbreak hill’ at the 7 mile mark. Fordcombe Hill goes on for nearly 1 mile and with an average gradient of 8% is a lung-buster for the unprepared. After that though, the route levels out and is a flat run back home to the finish and supportive crowds along the road back into Tunbridge Wells. The organisers are encouraging course record contenders to enter by offering prize funds to the value of £450 for first place, £300 for second and £200 for 3rd place (prizes are for both men and women).
Feedback from runners who’ve taken part in the past praised the superb organisation, free t-shirt, medal and goodie bag with 98% of athletes saying they would definitely take part again. This year runners are in for a bigger treat. With chip timing, sports drinks from TAUT on the route and a technical t-shirt from Montane this year, as well as medal and goodie bag, anyone taking part will certainly get value for their £17 (£19 if not an affiliated club runner) entry fee.
Parents are also being catered for. The race has a family theme, with the organisers offering a crèche and Kids Mini Olympics for runners children. Parents can leave their children in the safe hands of the professional and registered providers having a great time, while they can run the race knowing their kids are well looked after. ‘The Kids Olympics is very innovative’ said race director, Sarah Russell ‘as far as we know, we are one of the few races in the UK which offers something like this. And at only £6.50 for each child for the whole session, it makes taking part so much easier if you have young children to worry about’. See the website for more information.
Entries are unsurprisingly already flooding in and you can enter online at www.twharriers.org.uk or download an entry form from the website. Entry fees are £17 for club runners and £19 for non-affiliated runners with an optional additional £1 donation to the CMA available. Entries close on 2nd February and there are only 2000 places available. If you are a beginner and are looking for a training programme to follow, Sarah Russell has written an article especially for you. Check out www.sportsister.com... for more information.
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