Organiser of the Reading Half Marathon, Goldline Events, has today announced 250 free NHS race entries for this year’s event, taking place on Sunday 1st November.
Judith Manson, Race Director says: “The work of our NHS is simply incredible; their efforts and commitment to the health of the nation through COVID-19 is awe-inspiring. We want to celebrate our NHS staff, applaud their hard work and send our warmest love and support, by offering 250 free race entries.”
Sister race, Robin Hood Half Marathon has also extended its NHS thankyou with 200 free entries gifted for the September race. Manson adds: “Every year we work in partnership with the South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and St John Ambulance teams across our events – their dedication to keeping our runners safe is second to none. We can’t thank them enough and just hope that by offering free race entry to the first 450 NHS staff who contact my team, we can give a little back, as well as a goal to work towards, to power them through these incredibly tough times.”
A field of over 15,000 runners will come together on Sunday 1st November and lace up for the world renowned 13.1 mile course. They will take in the highlights of the town centre, non-stop cheering spectators and pumping music before a hero’s home straight awaits at Reading FC’s Madejski Stadium.
NHS staff and keen runner, Jeanette says: “Your team have done something amazing and special for those who are under extreme pressures in the current situation. I am thankful and extremely grateful for you all for giving me the opportunity to run this amazing event.” Emma also adds: “I’m really looking forward to having something to train for again and keep me focussed during this tough time. Thank you for making us all feel appreciated – we’re all in this together!”
This November, the Madejski Stadium cheers will switch up a notch, the support will be even louder and the applause even more heartfelt. Manson confirms: “There is no community quite like the running community – it’s one of passion, dedication, camaraderie and positivity. Not only will we celebrate the nation’s strength to overcome what is one of the most anxious, challenging and unsettling times we’ve faced, but the incredible efforts of our runners and NHS staff to get through the COVID-19 crisis, as one. From the front line to the finish line, NHS staff, we thank you, we applaud you.”
There’s 250 spaces to be snapped up for Reading Half Marathon, email info@goldlineevents.co.uk A further 200 have been gifted for September’s Robin Hood Half Marathon. More event information can be found at www.readinghalfmarathon.com and www.robinhoodhalfmarathon.co.uk along with the official race channels for daily updates, challenges and community support.
