PRESS RELEASE: 19 December 2016
NEW MEDAL REVEALED TO RUNNERS FOR THE VITALITY READING HALF MARATHON 2017
The Vitality Reading Half Marathon returns on Sunday 19th March 2017 and Race Organisers, Sweatshop, have revealed an added incentive for runners asthe thousands of participants hoping to cross the finish line will receive one of these new striking medals.
The pink Vitality themed ribbon holds a dynamic cut-out leaping lion centre-piece that represents the Maiwand Lion war memorial in Forbury Gardens, Reading town. The new medal is cleaner, leaner and meaner than ever before and the stand out centre-piece ensures the medal has the ‘wow-factor’.
Those with an eagle-eye may have noticed teaser images of the medal appear over the past couple of weeks, but yesterday the brand-new medal was fully unveiled for the first time to a group of runners at the second official Vitality Reading Half Marathon training run organised by the Sweatshop store, located on Friar Street. 37 members were taking part in their second training run on Sunday in preparation for next year’s half marathon, and were the first to get a glimpse.
Nick Fifield, one of the runners who took part yesterday, said of the new medal: “It looks pretty spectacular, nice and heavy, it gives you something to aim for and I’m really looking forward to the race next year.” He went on to add: “The Vitality Reading Half Marathon is special, I was amazed by the number of people that turned up last year. It’s a phenomenal crowd and the whole atmosphere is great, I like the fact that so many people turn up – it’s almost like a carnival!”
Judith Manson, Race Director, comments: “The medals are so important, they are a badge of honour for every runner so we work hardto create a medal that participants will wear with pride, whilst truly representing Reading. It was great to hear such positive feedback from runners at the training run about the new medal, who seemed particularly impressed with the leaping lion centre-piece. It’s definitely one which will stand out on any medal shelf.”
The 2017 half marathon route promises to be as impressive as ever,taking in the highlights of Reading town centre where runners will experience huge crowd support, and passing through the beautiful grounds of the University campus. The 34thReading Half Marathon is expected to attract seasoned distance athletes as well as thousands of newcomers to the running community. The world-renowned course will lead runners from Green Park, through the beautiful grounds of Reading University to a momentous finish inside Reading Football Club’s Madejski Stadium where they will be greeted by an eager crowd of supporters.
The first to complete the training run on Sunday was Pete Jewell, who said of the Vitality Reading Half Marathon: “The fact that it was my first ever race holds a special affinity to me and the crowd support and the finish in the Madejski Stadium has to be experienced to be believed.”
For more event information and to sign up, please visit:
To find out more information about the Sweatshop Vitality Reading Half Marathon training runs and how to take part, please visit:
~ENDS~
Words:527
PRESS ENQUIRIES
RuthBowerman
Promote PR
01628 507662
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.