PRESS RELEASE: 20 March 2017
ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2018 VITALITY READING HALF MARATHON
In an unprecedented move following a hugely successful 2017 event this weekend, Sweatshop have
announced that Early Bird entries for the 2018 Vitality Reading Half Marathon and Green Park Challenge are
open as of 9am TODAY. It’s time to lace up those trainers and start getting race ready for your 2018 challenge
which will take place on Sunday 18th March.
Judith Manson, Race Director, comments: “We’ve never opened entries to Reading so soon after the event
before, but we are very excited to give runners the chance to sign up again while they are still on a high from
finishing this year’s race! A big thank you to the Madejski Stadium and our partners and we are looking
forward to welcoming old and new faces back to Reading in 2018!”
Nick Rance, who ran this year’s half marathon on behalf of Cancer Research UK in memory of his father,
comments: “I really wanted to do something that would make my Dad proud – and raise money for a very
worthwhile charity in the process. Yesterday’s race was even better than I could have imagined, the support
the whole way around the course was phenomenal. Everyone involved in making this event happen did a
fantastic job and I can’t wait to come back next year. The stadium finish is definitely a unique draw, it allows
us mortals the chance to feel like an Olympian for just a few moments!”
The popular 2017 course led runners from Green Park, through the beautiful grounds of Reading University
and past the supportive crowds in the town centre, to a momentous finish line moment like no other inside
Reading Football Club’s Madejski Stadium.
Moving into its 35th year, the event is predicted to welcome over 14,000 runners to the half marathon in
2018. The prestigious half marathon course is ideal for seasoned athletes and beginners alike. The 3km Green
Park Challenge also provides the perfect option to run together with children and family.
Registration is now open. Go to www.readinghalfmarathon.com for more information and to secure your
place.
Early bird entry fees are as follows, and close at midnight on Monday 20th April 2017:
Half Marathon
UKA affiliated club runners £34.00 / All other runners £35.00
Green Park Challenge
£9.50
Charity Champion
£58
Corporate Challenge
£185
All races include a fantastic medal and a finishers bag at the finish.
~Ends~
Words: 404
PRESS ENQUIRIES
Ruth Bowerman
Promote PR
01628 507662
[email protected]
Editor’s notes:
Race organiser, Sweatshop:
The UK’s largest specialist running retailer with shops nationwide. Sweatshop was founded by Olympic
Champion Chris Brasher in 1971, with the aim to give every runner, from absolute beginner to international
athlete, access to the very best equipment, supported by free gait analysis, sports bra fitting service and much
more. Sweatshop’s first responsibility is to the runner and their mission is to help you Be The Best You Can
Be. Sweatshop has been voted the ‘Best Retailer’ by readers of Runner’s World for eight years in succession
including 2014. On top of this the store has been recognised in the 2014 Running Awards as the Best eTailer
and Best Large Retailer.
Sweatshop staff are committed to providing outstanding customer service and to support this Sweatshop
provides an extensive professional development training programme for all their staff including biomechanics,
customer service, breast health and sports bra fitting.
The Sweatshop Running Community is free to join and the free weekly runs open to all ages and abilities see
people rewarded for running regularly. www.sweatshop.co.uk
About Vitality – changing health and life insurance for good
Vitality is the insurance business that helps people understand how they can improve their own personal
health. Vitality makes it cheaper and easier for its members to get healthy and gives them rewards to keep
them motivated, through a range of discounts and incentives.
Vitality believes in the power of sport to help inspire people to live a healthy life, which is why it partners with
leading sports figures, teams and events to help share the Vitality message.
Vitality Ambassadors Jessica Ennis-Hill, Jonny Wilkinson, Joe Root and Maro Itoje are role models who
embody the values of Vitality. They are all using their passion for living a healthy lifestyle to motivate others
to make positive changes. Taking small steps today can dramatically improve wellbeing over the long-term,
regardless of your current state of health.
Vitality is Official Wellness Partner of Arsenal FC, AFC Bournemouth, Liverpool FC, Manchester City FC,
England Rugby, Scottish Rugby, the Welsh Rugby Union, Cricket’s UK Test Match Grounds and England
Netball. The business is also title sponsor of the Vitality Run Series and Official Partner of The Sunday Times
and Sky Sports Sportswomen of the Year Awards in association with Vitality.
VitalityHealth is one of the UK’s leading private medical insurers and has pioneered the ‘shared-value’
insurance model. This is a unique approach which delivers value for Vitality members through rewards and
ultimately better health. Society as a whole also benefits, as do the company’s profits, which comes about as
a result of people being healthier and claiming less often.
VitalityLife is one of the fastest growing life insurers in the UK. It is unique to the current UK protection
market and its suite of products includes Life Cover, Income Protection Cover, Serious Illness Cover, Business
Protection and other additional products. By recognising people's efforts to look after
themselves, VitalityLife is able to offer a more comprehensive set of benefits than traditional providers at a
very competitive price. For more information visit www.vitality.co.uk.