City's half marathon attracting record numbers
March race forced to move to Xscape
After six years of racing Milton Keynes AC is moving the venue for their annual Nike Half Marathon race because the old one simply can't cope with the number of entrants.
The 13-mile race set for March 7 has previously started and finished at the Open University but increasing numbers of those wanting to compete has meant a change of venue from the Walton Hall site to right in the heart of the city.
With more than 5,000 runners expected the race will start and finish at Xscape after a loop around to the south and east of Milton Keynes before returning along the V8.
Although a completely new course it will still be fast and traffic-free around the redways and closed local roads. Additionally the move has enabled the club to add a number of new races on the day, resulting in the first 'Milton Keynes Festival of Running'.
If you're looking for a challenge but not yet ready to run 13 miles then why not try the "Classic Distance" of 10K.
Starting at 10am with the Half Marathon both races with run together south down the V7 to Netherfield and along the H9 before turning north through Woughton on the Green. When they reach Woolstones the 10K runners will divert off the full course and return to Xscape via Springfield and the V8 to the finish.
Whether you're looking to set a new personal best, break the hour mark or you're just running for fun, you'll find a warm welcome at the inaugural MK10k – sure to become a landmark date in the racing calendar.
As running is always more fun with friends there will also be a Team Challenge with teams of four contesting a relay race over the half marathon distance with each competitor running a little over three miles.
Each team will have a car and when the first runner leaves the start, the rest of the team drive to the first transition point. When the first team member arrives, the second member will then leave for their leg. The first runner joins the others in the vehicle and they drive to the next transition point and so on.
While all of these races have a lower age limit of 17 years, 10 minutes after the start of the Half Marathon there will be the MK5k – a less serious fun run for all the family and with no age limitations.
Get your running shoes on and visit www.mkhalf.co.uk/festival-of-running for more information, the deadline to register is February 26.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Milton Keynes
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
