It's not too late to get your running shoes on!!
RUNNERS from throughout the country will descend on the Peak District village of Eyam next month for one of the road racing calendar’s toughest events.
A record entry of 400-plus is expected for Eyam Half Marathon on Sunday, May 15 which starts and finishes in the historic ‘plague’ village and takes competitors on a gruelling course involving over 1,200 ft of ascent.
Entries have been received from club and non-affiliated runners as far south as Surrey and Hampshire and as far north as Edinburgh and Ayreshire. The race has even attracted two entrants from Madrid !
Those taking up this true test of stamina range in age so far from 17 to 69 years and all will enjoy stunning views over five counties on the challenging route.
And it is still not too late to take part. You can get an entry form by ringing 01433 630418 or by the event website at www.eyamhalfmarathon.org.uk . Entries can also be taken on the day for the half marathon which starts at 10.30am and for the 1.3 mile fun run.
All those completing the fun run will receive a certificate signed by the most successful wheelchair athlete in history, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson. The Cardiff-born star, 35, took her Paralympic gold tally to 11 by winning the T53 100m and 400m in Athens .
A range of individual and team prizes are provided for the half marathon which is again backed by Vittel which is supplying 3,000 bottles of mineral water. These include £100 for the first male or female to beat the course records set by Adrian Clarke of 1:11:46 in 1999 and Philippa Leach’s 11-year-old best of 1:26:59 .
The event is organized by Eyam Half Marathon Committee, which raises funds for local organizations and cancer charities. Over the last 12 years the Committee has raised more than £50,000 and has placed the half marathon firmly on the national road running map.
Entry fees are £9 for affiliated and £10 for non-affiliated runners with an extra £2 charged for on-the-day entries.