Mark Jones is partnerships manager at Destination Basingstoke. He has worked in Basingstoke for 27 years, including 13 years as editor of The Gazette and eight years as director of communications and fundraising at Ark Cancer Charity.

The mission of Destination Basingstoke (DB) is to showcase and celebrate the amazing individuals, companies, charities, and community organisations in Basingstoke and Deane – and the Phillips Law Half Marathon, 10k and Children’s Races does all of this in one event.

The Half Marathon has been running (no pun intended!) since 2011 and in recent years the 10k and two Children’s Races as well as a much bigger Race Village have been added – making the event even more inclusive and family friendly.

(Image: Destination Basingstoke.Phillips Law Basingstoke Half Marathon and 10K race.Photograph By: Sean Dill) After the COVID pandemic had an adverse impact, it has been great to see the number of entrants soar over the last two years, with 1,039 finishers in the Half and 10k in 2024 and more than 1,400 people registering.

Of course, it is the amazing people who are at the heart of everything including the runners, volunteer marshals and other volunteer supporters who all play a key part in making this wonderful event happen, as well as the superb spectators who line the race route and cheer the runners on.

Massive thanks must also go to the many corporate sponsors – and this year, there were more than ever – who show their commitment by backing this highlight of the community calendar – an event that really does raise the profile of Basingstoke and Deane, and generates increased income for the local business sector.

Of course, many people take part to raise funds for local good causes and DB is delighted that our special charity offer means that since 2023, it has been even easier for charity runners to pile on the miles and pull in the pounds.

Seeing the delight on faces as runners cross the line and are congratulated by family and friends is a joy to behold – and knowing that so many local charities will be better off because of the event is a great feeling.

The Phillips Law Half Marathon, 10k and Children’s Races is where many pieces of the jigsaw create a fabulous community-focused event to be proud of.

Thanks to all involved for making 2024 another successful year. Now, who’s up for 2025?

Find out more at destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/half-marathon/.