Counting down to Newark Half-marathon

Runners have been tackling the Newark Half-marathon course as part of ongoing preparations for the August event.

Members of the four clubs involved in organising the half-marathon — Newark Athletic Club, Newark Striders, Notfast Running Club and Fernwood Running Club — took part in an all-clubs run.

The run, organised by Notfast, started at Sconce and Devon Park, and included a water-stop half-way through.

There was a chance to follow the full half-marathon route, which, like last year, takes in Hawton, Farndon, Thorpe and Elston, or follow a shortened version.

Mrs Becky Gallop, one of the organisers, said the all-club runs were a good way of giving newcomers the opportunity to see how they handle the course.

“It was a good turn-out and the water-stop was very much appreciated by all those who were taking part,” she said.

“We are only four months from the race so it is good that club members are able to get a proper feel for the course.

“We are getting a lot of entrants coming through. They often come when the weather improves and people think about the summer events.

“We had an initial surge at the start, and we are expecting the amount coming in to increase in the weeks leading up to the event.”

So far about 350 spaces have been taken. There is a maximum capacity of 1,500 runners for the race on August 13.

"A lot of people agreed it was a success last year."

Mrs Gallop said they were confident it would be even better than the previous race, which returned after an absence of five years.

“A lot of people agreed it was a success last year. We have listened to the feedback and taken on board the recommendations and are putting them into force,” she said.

“Even little things like goody bags at the end of the race have been taken into consideration. It should be overall a better event than last year.”

The committee are looking for more volunteers to help marshal the course and provide assistance at water stops.

Runners are also being sought to raise money for charity partner Beaumond House Community Hospice.

In return for a free place, participants are asked to raise at least £200 sponsorship for the hospice.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the event should visit www.newarkhalfmara thon.co.uk