Guardian Sport
Roding Valley half marathon set for the weekend
10:10am Wednesday 22nd February 2012
Up to 1,000 runners will be pounding the streets on Sunday morning as they take part in the Roding Valley half marathon.
For many of them, this will be an important stage in their training for the Virgin London Marathon which will be held in April.
The race starts at Ashton Playing Fields at 9am and includes one short loop through Woodford Bridge before the runners take on two laps of a longer and hillier circuit through Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill and Woodford.
The half marathon, promoted by Woodford Green AC with Essex Ladies, is in its 30th year and race director David Hollingworth notes that the post-race feedback from runners always includes mention of the support and encouragement received from local residents.
The winner of the race is likely to complete the course in about 70 minutes, running at rate similar to that of Paula Radcliffe, whereas some will be looking only to last the distance.
The race has also seen some interesting experiments including last year when Karl Twomey managed to run backwards for the entire distance whilst still finishing in a highly respectable two hours and three minutes. He went on to complete the London Marathon in the same way, raising nearly £10,000 for Cancer Research UK.
A half marathon is, of course, a significant challenge, but runners who are sure of their physical fitness may still enter on the day, registering no later than 8.20am.
Full details can be found on the race website at www.rvhm.org.uk.
Drivers are advised that there will be delays on Roding Lane between 9.30 am and 10.45 am as the runners must be switched from pavement to pavement to avoid running amongst the traffic, so those planning to use this road at that time may wish to choose an alternative route.