Bracknell

On Sunday, May 10, the Quintiles Bracknell half marathon is celebrating its silver anniversary.

More than 1,000 Bracknell runners are expected to line up in South Hill Park for the 13.1 mile run, which will be started by Bracknell Forest Council's mayor.

From South Hill Park the runners will go through Wildridings, along Mill Lane to Jocks Lane recreation ground, then on to Warfield and Harmans Water before finishing their 13.1 miles back at South Hill Park.

There will be Bracknell road closures in Ringmead, Western Road and Binfield Road between 9am and 10.30am on the day of the race. Drivers are asked to take extra care of runners.

The race has always been organised by the same person, Chris Vaal - now the council's leisure development manager.

In December 1983 Mr Vaal's manager told him Bracknell District Council’s recreation committee had decided the town should have a half marathon, and it will take place on April 1, 1984. It left him just 12 weeks to organise the inaugural event.

There were 760 runners in the first Bracknell race who all lined up despite overnight snow and associated flooding, and ducks around the starting line next to South Hill Park’s north lake. The first man to cross the line was Jim Wise, and the first woman was Val Howe. Also in the field that day was Cllr Iain McCracken - then the council’s vice-chairman of leisure and now the executive member for leisure - and Bracknell’s recently elected MP Andrew MacKay.

This year’s event is using chip timing for the first time. A small card has been sent for all runners which they can attach to their trainers. The chips are then detected by computers which give accurate times from start to finish for every competitor.

Mr Vaal said: "We have come a long way from the one loud hailer and simple start and finish signs we had in 1984, with the chips giving precise timings for the first time.

"I would like to thank all the hundreds of people - many of whom are volunteers - who help make the half marathon happen every year. It would not be possible without their help and support."

Bracknell Cllr McCracken, who has run the half marathon nine times, said: "The Bracknell half marathon has established itself as an integral part of the borough's sporting calendar.

"It is a credit to the hard work of Chris, council officers, sponsors, volunteers and participants that this wonderful event continues to go from strength to strength."

Bracknell Forest Council