Local club, amateur and fun runners are being encouraged to sign up for the 2020 Retford Half Marathon which is taking place on Sunday 8th March. The annual event which is organised by Retford Athletic and Running Club, and also includes a popular family fun run, attracts over 1,000 entrants each year including local runners, and many from across Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and further afield.
The half marathon, which is supported by a number of local firms including Jones and Co Solicitors and Brown and Co, is also a regular fixture for many seasoned runners, and is also popular amongst those wanting to get in shape to take part in, and to complete their first half marathon.
Due to growing demand, which saw the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 events sell out before the day, for the 2020 event the race organisers have increased the entry cap to 1,400.
David Corbett, Race Director for the Half Marathon, said: “The event has grown extremely well over the last few years, increasing from just over 300 runners in 2013, to over 1,000 in 2019, and for the 2020 event we’re expecting a bumper turn-out of around 1,300 runners.
“Securing Retford Oaks Academy as the base for the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 events is partly down to the success as the venue offers excellent facilities for runners and their supporters including indoor registration, changing rooms, showers, indoor bag store, outdoor cycle store, hot & cold refreshments, waiting areas and ample car parking. It’s also enabled us to hold the entire fun run in a safe and secure traffic free environment. We are delighted that we will be using Retford Oaks again for the 2020 event”.
A lot of runners also use the event to raise money for a variety of good causes. This year the organisers have once again teamed up with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, who will be the main charity partner. As well as many entrants to the half marathon and fun run running on behalf of Bluebell Wood, each half marathon entry fee includes a donation to the charity.
With almost 1000 entrants signed up already, the 2020 is set to be the biggest and best yet and the organisers are encouraging runners to sign up as soon as possible as the race is expected sell out again well before the day. Links to online entry are available on the Retford AC website, www.retfordac.co.uk, or the direct link is www.bookitzone.com/RetfordHalf/XOjFFX.
The website and the event Facebook page also include more information on the event including course maps, results and photos from previous races and example training plans.