Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon 30th Anniversary – Sunday 24th February 2013
Local club, Tunbridge Wells Harriers has been organising the Tunbridge Wells half marathon, sponsored by Lifestyle Renault, since 1983. Thirty years on, the race is one of the most popular in the South East attracting 2800 entrants.
Back in 1983 things were very different. Only 53 runners (including 6 women) lined up to take part in the inaugural event. One of those runners, a certain Graham Brooks, and member of Tunbridge Wells Harriers, still takes part today and is now the oldest competitor in the race at 80 years old.
Even though the race is now 30 years old and much bigger, the ethos remains the same as it was in 1983. The event is organised ‘by runners, for runners’ and has a strong community spirit involving many local schools, groups, sponsors and businesses, such as title sponsor Lifestyle Renault.
But there have also been many challenges over the years. In 2005 the race was cancelled due to heavy overnight snowfall – a huge blow after months of hard work. 2009 then saw the worst weather conditions in the history of the race with extensive flooding and gale force winds. The race went ahead with some heroic efforts from both runners and marshals alike.
Organisational costs have increased year on year, with the 2012 event costing a staggering £48,000, but the event has still managed to donate over £90,000 to various charities over the last 6 years including the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, Hospice in the Weald and many more. The organisers are all volunteers and proud of what is considered the biggest mass participation sporting event in the Town.
The route is a hilly single loop course through the pretty villages of Penshurst, Bidborough and Langton Green including the infamous ‘Spring Hill’ in Fordcombe. The race takes place on Sunday 24th February and starts and finishes at the Tunbridge Wells Sports centre on St John’s Road. All runners receive a bespoke 30th anniversary medal and technical running t-shirt. For more information see www.twharriers.org.uk
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