Cambridge City Council is working closely with event organisers to welcome more than 9,000 runners to the city on Sunday 4 March for the 13.1 mile race, which is now in its seventh year.
Competitors will assemble on Midsummer Common before starting the race on Victoria Avenue on 9.30am along a route taking in the city centre, Trumpington and Grantchester before heading back into Cambridge along Barton Road to the finish back on Victoria Avenue.
The event will see some roads and footpaths closed during Sunday. Residents can find full information about the route and closures at the event website: www.osbevents.com
Due to the current bad weather, competitors, spectators and residents can get updates on any potential changes that may affect the event at http://www.osbevents.com/news/weather-precaution-for-2018-saucony-cambridge-half-marathon/
The council’s work with event organisers One Step Beyond on the half marathon is part of its wider programme to encourage more physical activity among Cambridge residents.
The council supports formal and informal running programmes including:
- The NHS ‘Couch to 5km’ beginners’ running scheme, with regular sessions at the Meadows Community Centre, the Abbey Leisure Complex and Arbury Community Centre
- 3-2-1’ marked running and walking routes of various lengths at Jesus Green, Coldham’s Common and Cherry Hinton Hall parks.
In response to support from residents, the council is also currently exploring open spaces in the city alongside parkrun UK to find a suitable location to host one of their free, weekly timed 5km runs. Consultation on a potential site for a new parkrun is due to begin in March.
Cllr Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “I am incredibly proud to welcome the return of the Cambridge Half Marathon for its seventh edition.
“Since it first started the council has worked closely with the organisers to help the event grow into one of the main events in our sporting calendar. As well as being a great way for many people to improve their fitness and motivation, the half marathon also raises large amounts of money for a host of good causes.
“If the half marathon inspires other residents to consider taking up running or just increasing their activity levels, they can find out more on our website at www.cambridge.gov.uk/running.”
Cllr Anna Smith, Executive Councillor for Streets and Open Spaces, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome the Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon to the city again this year, and to be able to make some of our beautiful open spaces available for the event.
“I want to send my best wishes to all the runners, especially the many Cambridge residents who have been inspired to train over the winter months, and hope they are ready now to enjoy the big day.”
Details of road management for the Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon
Updates on how the weather may affect the Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon
More ideas for getting more active on the Let’s Get Moving Cambridge Facebook page