STUDENTS, charities and running clubs across the city are anticipating the upcoming Coventry Half Marathon.
Taking place on Sunday, March 18, the race will see thousands of volunteers and fundraisers support several main charities – including the Penny Appeal, Myton Hospices and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
This year’s event, which will see competitors race around a 13.1 mile route is being organised by students at Coventry University.
It is hoped the event can build on the city’s successful City of Culture bid.
Scott Staniland, vice-president of sport and wellbeing at Coventry University Students’ Union said: “Everyone at the Students’ Union is excited, and we are pleased how the city has supported the race.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring the community and university together at one big event that can showcase everything Coventry has to offer.”
Leader of Coventry City Council, Coun George Duggins, said he is delighted to see another event attracting participants.
He said: “As a regular runner in the event, I’m looking forward to taking part in the Coventry Half Marathon.
“The race has become a popular date in the Coventry calendar. Being led by the Students’ Union, it is a good example of how working in partnership with other organisations can deliver success.
The Penny Appeal, a crisis charity helping people in countries across the world, will again be the marathon’s official charity partner.
Haroon Mota, fundraising and challenge events manager from the charity said: “We’re excited to be official charity partners again.
“We’ve had more than 100 runners participate in the past two years, raising over £60,000.
“We are saving and transforming lives in over 30 crisis-hit countries worldwide.
“But more importantly we’re working to tackle poverty close to home, it’s important for us to have that local support too.”
