Reading Half Marathon 2020 - Half Marathon in Reading, UK

Review summary

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A

Andrea E

"OK for a first time HM. Course was well laid out, with good regular drink/loo..."

C

Chris M

"Epic! Helped since I did get a PB, but I would definitely do this again! This..."

D

David T

"Great route, although hillier than expected. Great atmosphere and support all..."

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Event Details

What’s Included

Chip Timing
Race Bib
T-Shirt (if ordered)

Will I get a medal at the finish?
Yes, all finishers in all races who cross the finish line will get a medal. Please ensure to pick up yours when you walk through our finish funnel.

When and where will the results be published?
The results will be available online in the evening on the 5th April; they will also be printed in the Reading Chronical the following day. Please note these results are provisional, the official results are normally confirmed 3-5 working days post event.

Raceday Logistics

What time does the Race Village open?
The race village and facilities will be open from 07:00 on race day 5th April

What time does the race start?

The Green Park Challenge starts at 8:30am

The Half Marathon starts at: 10.15am

How does the race start work?

All runners will be issued with a colour coded race number that reflects the estimated finish time provided to us on your entry form.

You should only start in the allocated colour/time zone that is shown on your race number, this will help to prevent you going too quickly or slowly at the start. You will be in the same zone as other runners who have the same estimated finish time as you – so make use of it and buddy up!

The start will go in waves with each colour zone being released separately, for example the elites will cross the start line first before the next colour zone is released. Please do not worry this will not affect your chip time, as your chip will start when you pass under the gantry so don't worry if it takes a while to get to the start line.

What are the estimated times for the different coloured start zones?

The estimated timing allocation for each coloured zone are subject to change. The final starting zones will be confirmed nearer the time.

Will the Green Park Challenge have coloured waves too?

Yes the Green Park Challenge has two waves. Allocated by age the first wave will be participants age 11 and over plus Corporate Challenge Green Park Challenge runners. The second wave is age 10 and under plus all accompanying adults.

Kit List

Is there anywhere to leave my bags while I'm running?
On race day a kit/baggage tent will be available; this will be situated in the Race Village. In your race pack you will find a kit tent label which matches your race number, please ensure to attach it to your kit bag, then hand it in to a member of the kit tent team.
To retrieve your bag at the end of the race all you have to do is show your running number at the kit tent.
(The organisers cannot accept responsibility for valuables left in the Kit tents and you leave this at your own risk).

Are there changing facilities?
No there are no changing available on site.

Do I need to attach my timing chip to my bib?
No – your chip is already attached on the back of your race bib. Your chip will automatically start when you cross the start line and stop when you cross the finish line. You don't need to worry about anything.

My chip number is different to my bib number, is this normal?
Yes, there is no need to panic if the number on your bib is different to your chip timing number. Please do not attempt to remove your timing chip as this may cause a technical error and risk it not working on race day. The most important thing is that the number on the envelope which you received your race pack in matches the number on your race bib.

Can I wear earphones/listen to music during the race?
For health and safety reasons, we recommend earphones or any device which may impede hearing/listening to instructions both before and during the race are not used. Anyone seen wearing earphones may be asked to remove them and may be disqualified from the race.

Spectators

Can my family and friends come to watch?
Yes, we welcome all supporters.

Will there be meeting points at the finish for family and friends?
There will be no official meeting points so please arrange with your friends and family a suitable meeting point on the Race Village. Please scope these out on the day and ensure you agree on a meeting point pre-race.

Is entry for spectators into the stadium free?
Yes, the stadium is free for spectators to come and cheer you on over the finish line.

Volunteers

I would like to volunteer, how to I apply to become a race maker?
It is great news that you wish to help us and be part of helping make this day special for our runners. Please download an application form here and email it to -

[email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive my race pack for the Reading Half Marathon?

Race packs will arrive 10 days before race day. If it doesn't arrive you can collect it from the Millennium Hotel at the Madejski Stadium on Friday 3rd April between 5pm - 8pm or on Saturday 4th between 10am - 4pm. Alternatively you can collect it on race day in the race village from 7am.

At what time does the Reading Half Marathon start?

The half marathon starts at 10.15am. All runners will receive a colour-coded race number, which will indicate which start zone you should start in. Your start zone is determined by your estimated finish time, so you will be running with runners of a similar pace.

How do I enter the Reading Half Marathon?

You can enter online. There are 3 options: standard, UKA affiliated or VIP. You'll receive a confirmation email after booking.

Can you sign up for the Reading Half Marathon on the day?

On the day sign up is not available for the Reading Half Marathon.

How old do you have to be to run the half marathon?

The minimum age is 17 years old.

Have a question? Get answers from our team.

Reading Half Marathon weather forecast

Drizzle throughout the day.

12°C

Predicted highs

5°C

Predicted lows

High chance of rain

Light breeze possible, up to 9mph

Reading Half Marathon reviews (4)

Reasons people recommend this event

Friendly atmosphere

Perfect for a PB

C

Chris M 3 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
Epic! Helped since I did get a PB, but I would definitely do this again! This was my 2nd year doing this half and thoroughly enjoyed it. The support was amazing and organisation was superb! My only suggestion would be to encourage more spectators along the lonely A33!
D

David T 2 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
Great route, although hillier than expected. Great atmosphere and support all the way round. 1 downside had to stand for a little to long in starting pen, which made it difficult to stay warm
A

Andrea E 8 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2010
OK for a first time HM. Course was well laid out, with good regular drink/loo stops. The course does take you through the town, and there are a lot of spectators. Not the prettiest of runs in parts. Supposedly a top pick for those chasing a big PB, and catching it!
N

Neil L 9 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2015
The course is relatively flat for a HM, lots of runners so it always feels busy. Good PB course and a great finish running into the stadium - I have done it multiple times!