Newark Half-marathon : Race preparations well under way
In less than a month’s time runners will be crossing the start line of the Newark Half- marathon as part of what promises to be a big summer of sport for the town.
After a four year break, the run returned last summer, with a total of 1,000 people participating — a ceiling that has been increased to 1,500 this year.
The run takes place on Sunday, August 13.
It consists of 13.1-miles of road running on a mainly flat, scenic course, starting from Sconce and Devon Park.
The runners will go through East Stoke and pass Eden Hall, the main sponsor of the event, before making their way back to the finish line back at the park, where friends and family will be cheering them home.
All finishers will receive a medal and T-shirt and there are prizes for the fastest two males and females in various age categories.
For those who are participating or watching the race, a wide range of local businesses will have food and drink stalls at the finish line, including a Prosecco business based in a converted horse box.
There will be family entertainment provided at the park for supporters.
It is a smoke-free event.
The race’s nominated charity is Beaumond House Community Hospice, Newark.
Mr Jeremy Reichelt, race co-ordinator, said: “At the moment we have got around 1,000 participants.
“We should get a big surge as the event gets nearer so are hoping to hit the 1,500 mark.
“We have not made any major changes to the course itself from last year. The only difference is the addition of more water and sponge stations because 13 miles really is a long race.
“As for the planning process, it is going well. So far it fits into the pattern of last year.
“We have got the key things sorted out such as traffic management, sorting out the road closures, delivering leaflets to residents, ordering T-shirts, ordering medals and, most importantly, raising money for Beaumond House.”
Runners from United States and Spain
There is a 2k fun run alongside the main event.
Aimed at getting children involved, it is possible to enter on the day.
It is hoped around 150 runners will take part for Beaumond House.
It starts at 10.15am and the route is around Sconce and Devon Park.
Mr Reichelt said: “Last year, Beaumond House worked in collaboration with us whereas this year we are separate and they are working independently within the event.
“We have given them the opportunity to have 100 runners who are paid for, who are aiming to raise £200 each.
“We have also got the fun run and all proceeds from that are going to Beaumond house.
“It is £5 an entry and usually gets busy on the day as the children who come with their parents get involved.”
Mr Reichelt said the half-marathon would bring many people to Newark, some for the first time, and they would spend the day in the town.
“We think around 2,000 people will be coming in to spend the day in Newark,” he said.
“We have had a wide spread of entrants — people from Nottingham, Skegness, Doncaster, Sheffield, and further afield, even the US and Spain.”
Participants include a veteran female elite runner.
The Mayor of Newark, Mrs Rita Crowe, will start the race.
Race director Mr Neill Mison said: “This is a big thing for Newark — something we will be really pushing between now and the race date.
“It promises to be a massive summer of sport for the town with the half-marathon and the Tour Of Britain coming through.”
The race site manager, Mr Ernie Clarke, said: “Newark will be on the sporting map this summer.”
Volunteers are needed at the water and sponge stations and as marshals.
Anyone interested in volunteering on the day of the event, or to enter the race, visit www.newarkhalfmarathon.co.uk
l Newark is hosting a stage finish for the Tour Of Britain cycle race in September.
