IT IS one of the most popular features of the Basingstoke sporting calendar – and this Sunday, hundreds of runners will be piling on the miles at this year’s Destination Basingstoke Phillips Law Half Marathon and 10k.

The half marathon, which is Race Check gold-rated and offers runners amazing views as they head into the borough countryside, is now in its 13th year and it has become a popular race with entrants who want to take on a challenging and picturesque course.

Destination Basingstoke – the not-for-profit company that showcases and celebrates the people, businesses and community organisations in Basingstoke and Deane – is proud to once again be organising the Half Marathon and 10K on Sunday, October 1.

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And this year’s event will see some significant changes:

• The 10k route has been updated to create a course that will increase the potential for runners to record faster times.

• Young runners aged five to 10 and 11-15 will have their own one-mile races to take part in at the race village in War Memorial Park.

Long-time supporter Phillips Law is the headline sponsor again, joined by other event sponsors Nomios UK & I, Lilly UK, TD Synnex and Lavazza. All of these companies are putting teams together for the half marathon or 10k events.

The Half Marathon and 10K are also being supported by Up and Running, in London Street, Basingstoke, and this year’s race director is running legend Mike Gratton, winner of the London Marathon in 1983 and a renowned organiser of half marathons.

Jack Gardener, director at Phillips Law, said: “Phillips Solicitors is delighted to support the Basingstoke Half again, and we are pleased to have extended our sponsorship to enable the free children’s races to take place.

“The superb scenery on the half marathon and 10K race course, great organisation, and fantastic atmosphere make this event really special and something that Basingstoke can be proud of. We love being such an integral part of it, and are looking forward to entering a team again.”

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Jonathan Pender, chair of Destination Basingstoke, said: “We are delighted to have seen an increase in registered runners this year, and we are grateful to Phillips Law for extending their sponsorship to help us introduce the two children’s races to the event.

“Everyone involved in the organisation of the half marathon, 10k and children’s races is particularly grateful to the army of volunteer supporters who are helping to make the event happen, including the many marshals and water station helpers.

“Local residents on the route always turn out in force to support the runners and we hope they will do so again on Sundays as the cheering and encouragement always helps to lift the spirits of those taking part.”

As well as striving for personal best times, many runners will be raising funds for local charities and good causes.

Anyone who wants to find out more about the Destination Basingstoke Phillips Law Half Marathon,10K and children’s races, including local road closures that will be in force, should go to destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/half-marathon/. 

There are still some places available in the two children’s races but parents and carers need to make sure they get their child signed up before race day.