On Sunday 2 September 2018 Brunton Park will be the venue for the inaugural Carlisle Half Marathon - the Carlisle Half.
The event has been created by former CUFC YTS player Ian Milburn and ex-Cumbrian Run Organiser Mike James. The idea came about after the CUFC Legends v Workington Legends game for Tony Hopper in May 2017, which Ian was involved in both organising and taking part.
“I had the idea after the game," Ian explained. "The state of our bodies after that game wasn't good, so I knew that we couldn’t get it played annually, but we wanted to do something to raise funds to support Tony, Sue and their family.
"After speaking to Sue and outlining what I wanted to achieve with the event, she nominated Eden Valley Hospice to be our Charity Of The Year for 2018, as she has been involved at the Hospice as part of her work. They have also provided support already and will be vital for Tony as his disease progresses.”
The route can be labelled as iconic as it highlights some of the most recognisable landmarks in Carlisle.
Starting from Brunton Park, at the back of the Pioneer Stand, the Half Marathon will then head right onto Warwick Road and up to the Citadel, The Lanes, The Cathedral and Carlisle Castle.
After heading out towards Crosby-on-Eden, the route will loop round coming back through Linstock and into Rickerby Park, over the Suspension Bridge, then through Stoneyholme before entering the ground through the Paddock gates and finishing in front of the Players Tunnel.
There will also be entertainment on parts of the route, and Voice UK 2018 finalist Courtney O’Neill will be performing at the finish line. Carlisle United club captain Danny Grainger will start the Fun Run, and we hope to have a few former Carlisle United legends participating.
We will have confirmation of the starter(s) of the Half Marathon and 10k early next week, but we are closing in on 1,000 runners which is unprecedented in recent times for the first year of a running event. We hope that the local community will join us in supporting the day.
There will also be a fantastic medal for all Half Marathon and 10k competitors which features the “Be Just And Fear Not” crest, which is symbolic to our Great Border City.
There are a number of voluntary roles that still need filled on the day, so we are asking anyone that is interested in helping us to contact Milly on 07940 532 982.
We hope to build this event into a major fundraiser for a nominated local charity for years to come. Entries close on Sunday 18 August - to enter please click HERE
Carlisle United Season Ticket Holders can get 20% discount on the half marathon, 10k or fun run entry fee by entering code 'CUFC20'.
Junior Blues can get 20% discount on the fun run entry fee by entering code 'JUNIOR20'.
Children who have been on any of the Community Sports Trust Soccer Schools can get 20% discount on the fun run entry fee by entering code 'TRUST20'.