Thousands of runners are set to pound the streets of Leicester later this month, when the annual half marathon comes to the city.
The Run Leicester event on October 30, will see runners complete 13.1 miles, all for a number of reasons.
Of the thousands taking part, many will be running for one of the 10 charities the event is officially affiliated with, including Leicester Animal Aid, LOROS and the Leicester Tigers Foundation.
One of those running for LOROS is Lois Watson, whose Nan, Yvonne, died in March, after suffering with multiple types of Cancer.
She found fitness such as the gym and running to be not only a new hobby, but also a strong outlet for her grief.
“I’m so excited to take part in Run Leicester. I have done so much training for this and it’s a new experience for me,” she said. “I am feeling slightly nervous and emotional as it will be another goal and challenge I will have completed, but I know that my Nan will be looking down on me and be really proud”.
Will will be running for the national brain injury charity- Headway.
He has chosen to raise money for the cause after suffering a subarachnoid haemorrhage in 2013, and being told by doctors that he would never be able to move the left-hand side of his body again.
However, the charity helped him to rebuild himself and find his place in the world again.
“Running Leicester will mean so much to me. Brain injuries don’t just affect one person, and with many of my family not able to attend when I finished the London Marathon in 2018, this will give a lot of my friends and family the chance to see me do it,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to it. One of mine and my brother’s favourite pubs growing up is towards the end of the route, we have joked about celebrating with a well-deserved pint together!”
The run will start and finish at Leicester’s Victoria Park.
To start, runners will head through the city and out along Leicester’s golden mile, before looping back in via Watermead Park and Abbey Park, after which they will take in more of the city’s iconic landmarks before the final push up the idyllic New Walk, all the way to the finish line.
There will also be a 10k run on the day, for those unable to run the full 13.1 miles.
“Cheers, chants and celebration will get you through the 10K or 13.1 mile route. Spectators are encouraged to join the fun in both our runner’s village and along the route,” said a spokesman for the event, which starts at 9.15pm.
In order to ensure the safety of both runners and the general public a number of road closures will be implemented in certain areas of the city and county at various times during the day.
To find out more, visit: https://leicestermarathon.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Leicester-Half-Marathon-2022-Road-Closure-Timings-and-Access-Details.pdf
To sign up for the run, visit: https://www.resultsbase.net/event/6153?utm_source=cpgipny&utm_medium=Website&utm_campaign=Links%2bfrom%2bMarathon%2bWebsite
