Established in 1989, just 1,000 people ran the race however by 2008 this number had grown to 16,000. Over the years it has become one of the largest and most popular half marathons in the country. Beginning at Bristol’s historic harbourside, the scenic route will take runners around the old city, past the harbourside, along the portway, through the Avon Gorge and twice over the renowned Clifton Suspension Bridge. The race will then end back at Bristol’s harbourside, on the atBristol site.

Runners were recently given the opportunity to train with some of the UK’s top coaches, athletes and sports professionals at workshops run by RunBristol .The workshop was aimed at all those wanting to run the marathon.

So what sort of challenges will runners face? Pace and setting it right is a common problem. One of the most prominent issues that runners often encounter is running at a pace that is too quick for them and therefore become exhausted later on. This often happens due to the adrenalin effect. The Lucozade.com running section ( http://www.lucozade.com/sport/running/ ) have an extremely handy ‘pace band’ – a calculator where runners can enter their time and distance and are then provided with a paper wristband with pace details on.

Other challenges runners may face include staying hydrated and topped up nutritionally. Runners should make sure their diet leading up to the race is full of carbohydrates to maximise glycogen stores to release the fuel that will be needed during the race. It may be a good idea for runners to eat their evening meal the night before the race earlier rather than later to avoid going to bed feeling sluggish.

For those wanting to spectate, the Bristol half marathon provides a great day out for all. With food and drink readily available all the way along the route, the harbourside also provides an array of restaurants and bars. Cheering on the runners is always appreciated and volunteers to help keep the race route clear and safe, direct runners at the start and finish areas and help advice visitors are always greatly appreciated. For further information on how to volunteer, visit the Bristol half marathon volunteer website at http://www.bristolhalfmarathon.com

Most runners run for a variety of different charities, which include St Peter’s Hospice, CLIC Sargent and Coco. St Peter’s Hospice provides care and support for patients in Bristol with progressive diseases, providing 24 hour nursing support to patients and their carers at home during the last week of life. CLIC Sargent’s main aim is to ease the burden of childhood cancer on children, young people and their families by giving families emotional support and help to deal with the demands of daily life. Finally, Coco helps children across the world access better health and education, funding projects in Bosnia, Romania, Malawi, Tanzania, India, Thailand and South Africa.

To donate to the above charities, you can come along on the day and donate to the collectors that will be available along the route. Alternatively, you can visit any of the charities websites and donate online.

The race begins at 09.30 on Sunday 6 September 2009

More information can be found on the Bristol Half Marathon website: http://www.bristolhalfmarathon.com

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12 May 2010

The race begins at 09.30 on Sunday 6 September 2009

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