Windsor Running Festival 2015 launched

The official launch event of the Windsor Running Festival 2015 took place at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park yesterday, 26th November 2014.

Race Director Peter Hier launched the Windsor Running Festival 2015 and officially announced the date, race details and opening of registration in front of official sponsors and partners, representatives of the official charities, The Crown Estate and media. The Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Councillor James Evans was also present to show his support.

The Windsor Running Festival incorporates the Running4Women Windsor 10K and the Windsor Half Marathon, both held in Windsor Great Park.

The Running4Women Windsor 10K takes place on Saturday 26th September and is aimed at women of all levels, ages and backgrounds including novices, charity runners and club runners from the surrounding areas

The original Windsor Half Marathon is a sell out race and takes place for the 33rd time on Sunday 27th September. One of the most iconic and longest established races in the UK, the Windsor Half Marathon boasts one of the most picturesque courses in the world with the 13.1 miles run on traffic free roads around Windsor Great Park. With the start and finish on The Long Walk, stunning surroundings and fantastic views of Windsor Castle the Windsor Half Marathon is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious events in the British sporting calendar, attracting runners of all levels from around the world. Registration is open now with public places costing £27.50 (affiliated) and £29.50 (non-affiliated), go to www.runwindsor.com for further race details and to secure your place now. You can also run for one of the official charities, including CLIC Sargent, Cancer Research UK and Help for Heroes.

Other happenings on the Sunday include the Sprite Sprint where five to nine year-olds run 40 yards, and the 2.5 mile Glynn Shefford Memorial Run.

The Running4Women Windsor 10K takes place on Saturday 26th September and is aimed at women of all levels, ages and backgrounds including novices, charity runners and club runners from the surrounding areas. One of the first women-only events in the UK, the Running4Women Windsor 10K has been growing in size and popularity over the years, with the organisers saying that the event is all about taking part, being active, doing something for yourself and experiencing that sense of achievement when crossing the iconic finish line on The Long Walk. Runners can also sign up as a team of friends, and mothers and daughters can enter the Generation Game Challenge with prizes available for the fastest teams (lowest aggregate times) as well as for the best fancy dress. Entry fees are £16.50 for UKA members and £18.50 for unaffiliated runners, and entry is open now. Go to www.running4women.comfor further details and to sign up.

The race village for both events is in Windsor Great Park and offers a range of entertainment and catering options for the whole family, plus great facilities for the runners. There is also free onsite parking for runners and supporters near the race village throughout the weekend. The race director has confirmed that there will be race pacers, age category prizes and bottled water on course in 2015, following feedback received from runners.

Race Director Peter Hier commented:

“We are very excited to announce that registration to both the Windsor Half Marathon and the Running4Women Windsor 10K is open. Both races feature apicturesque course, set in stunning surroundings and with amazing views of Windsor Castle. Places will be selling fast and we encourage all runners to sign up and secure their place as soon as possible. The Windsor Running Festival is also the perfect reason for families and friends to spend a weekend in Windsor together, with a choice of race distances for everyone from 40 yards through to the half marathon challenge.”

“I would also like to welcome all our Official Charity Weekend Partners on board, and we look forward to working with everyone over the coming months and in the build up to the Windsor Running Festival.”

Tabitha Haydon, Running Events Manager at CLIC Sargent, said:

“We are delighted to be chosen as the Platinum Charity Weekend Partner for the Windsor Half Marathon and the R4W Windsor 10K. We have been involved in this exciting event for the past two years and have seen it grow in popularity and support.”

“We hope to raise £100,000 through this amazing partnership which will help us continue and expand our work in supporting children and young people with cancer, and their families.

“CLIC Sargent running places are available on a first-come first-served basis and all the money raised by runners will help the charity continue to support families affected by childhood cancer.”

“We’d also love to hear from you if you have your own place in the event – we will support you. Just contact us on run@clicsargent.org.uk or on 0845 602 4770 and we will sign you up.”

CLIC Sargent is the Platinum Charity Weekend Partner, with Cancer Research UK the Gold Charity Weekend Partner and Help for Heroes the Silver Charity Weekend Partner. Leukaemia & Lymphoma Researchhas been announced one of the two Bronze Charity Weekend Partners, and Alzheimer’s Society, Childlife, CRY, Daisy’s Dream and Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundationare on board as Copper Charity Weekend Partners.

Sponsors announced so far include Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Everydayhero, Macdonald Windsor Hotel and Mars in the Community.

Go to www.runwindsor.com for further details about the Windsor Half Marathon and to www.running4women.com to sign up to the Running4Women Windsor 10K.

You can also like the Facebook page and follow @windsorhmand @Running4women on Twitter to keep up-to-date with all the latest news.