We are delighted to report that interest is high for the second Annual Carlisle Half Marathon which will start and finish at Brunton Park.
The Carlisle Half Marathon, which incorporates a 10k run and a 2k Family Fun Run, is scheduled to start and finish at the home of Carlisle United Football Club, on Sunday 1 September.
This year we are also looking to stage a number of wheelchair events in conjunction with Cumbria Wheelchair Sports Club. We will have further news on this in due course.
Ian Milburn, of Event Organisers IM Running Events Ltd, said: “Our aim from day one is to provide an event that is accessible for all ages and abilities.
“With the support of Kingmoor Park for the Family Fun Run, via the Carlisle Youth Zone, we will have a much wider range of participants from our local community. Last year’s event was a huge success, with the feedback unprecedented in its praise for an inaugural event.
“That was achieved despite financial constraints, and the initial support we’ve received this year from DSD Construction, Kingmoor Park and Carlisle United will enable us to expand and improve the event even further.
“We want to establish this event as a major fundraiser locally, and we’re determined to make it as inclusive as possible so that it becomes a big part of the community calendar.”
“Mike James will be Race Director again this year,” he added. “He has a wealth of experience in the running industry. The knowledge and enthusiasm he brought to the event last year was immeasurable and it concluded with a unique event that was delivered safely and professionally.”
Mike James said: “The operational management of this event will be my responsibility as Race Director and I will work with an experienced team who have delivered Marathon style events in the past.
“This will ensure we create the very best problem free event for everyone. Dean Smith will be Operations Director again this year, and Dean is responsible for a number of large-scale running events, including the prestigious Rock N Roll Liverpool Marathon.
“It will be operationally challenging to plan all of these events for them take place on just one day, but we have the desire, enthusiasm and skills to make it work. I am also delighted to be involved with Ian again, and his aim to help raise as much money as possible for the Eden Valley Hospice (our charity of the year) is an idea that I fully agree with, and we are also giving a number of other local charities the opportunity to raise funds this year.”
Carlisle United’s director of football David Holdsworth said: “One of the things I said I wanted to see when I first came to the club was for us to continue to develop and grow the already strong bonds we have within the local community.
“Being involved with one of the biggest annual events in the city is a fantastic way for us to do that. It will be a fantastic day, with the added plus that so many worthy causes will receive vital funds as people come together to compete, race, or simply just take part and meet up with friends.
“We’re delighted that it will start and finish at Brunton Park and we hope to see people of all abilities signing up and coming along to be part of what we hope will be a huge day for the community.”
Sam Johnston, community fundraiser from Eden Valley Hospice, said: “Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw are delighted to be a part of the Carlisle Half for a second year.
“We are honoured that we have been chosen as charity of the year again. Potentially having hundreds of people taking part and supporting the Hospice is very exciting for us. The money raised will provide care, support and activities to adults and children with life limiting illnesses.
"This care and compassion is extended to all of the patients’ families, friends and carers. Each year we need to raise over three million pounds, so having the Carlisle Half support us is fantastic!”
Neil McIntyre, Kingmoor Park’s managing director said: “We are very happy to support this event as it demonstrates a perfect example of businesses and charities working together to provide quality events for our local community.
"Last year’s event was extremely well supported and attended and we hope that the inclusion of the fun run this year sees it grow into a popular race that can be accessed by all. This year we celebrate our 20th anniversary and have chosen Carlisle Youth Zone as our charity of the year with the aim to raise as much money as possible. The fun run is a fantastic way to build our partnership.”
The route will see runners start at and finish at Brunton Park, and Half Marathon runners will head into Rickerby Park to Rickerby, Linstock and Crosby on Eden before heading back towards the stadium in what is classed as an out and back route.
10k runners will double back from Longlands Road and enter the stadium after passing through Rickerby Park and Stoneyholme.
The Fun Run route is planned to go through the Town Centre and back to Brunton Park via the Carlisle Youth Zone.
Entries are OPEN NOW – sign up via the event website – www.carlislehalf.org
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Entry prices are as follows:
Half Marathon - £25 & £23 affiliated
10k - £14 & £12 affiliated
Fun Run - £7
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Start times:
Half Marathon & 10k - 9am
Fun Run - start time tbc (currently planned for 9.15am)
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The run will be chip timed.
All runners will receive a MEDAL and Goody Bag.
Half Marathon runners will receive a t-shirt.
There will be music on the route and numerous water stations.
You can follow the event and its build-up on Facebook - search for Carlisle Half.
The race will be a UK Athletics Permit Event.
Further sponsorship opportunities are available, as are large team bookings.