As you line up with the other runners, there is a nice feel to Coventry. The starting area is well organised and you feel very much as if you are in for a good road race. The other runners tend to look as if they are very interested in running a good time but you will see the odd charity vest dotted around which shows that there is money being raised by a number of the participants. As you get going on the course, there is a moderate level of support . It is obvious that the local community have really got behind the race as local businesses and council are very visibly helping the race to succeed. After about 4 miles you start to climb Park Hill and you realise you are in for a torrid time, hills in any race of a long distance should be banned (only kidding) but they do make completing a race even more of an achievement. You have to climb a couple more difficult hills a few miles on and you almost forget to check what is going on around you. The end of the race sees a nice downhill section into the city centre which allows your legs to forget about the earlier hills. As you finish, there is a good gathering of charity supporters, the general public, friends and family and everyone is keen to cheer every runner over the line.
This is a half marathon with some very difficult hills for you to tackle, so make sure you let all of your potential donors know how hard you will be working. Aim for a modest £650 as a minimum. Make sure you use your Facebook and any other social media as 100 friends donating £5 will get you most of the way there. Check out the run for charity fundraising A to Z for some great ideas to help you reach your target.
Not the busiest race in regards to support but the spectators who do make the effort are very vocal and will often be handing out sweets to help keep your energy levels up. Coventry is starting to see a greater charity presence most notably at the start and finish of the race.
This half marathon has some serious hills for you to contend with especially at the start of the race. Use a half marathon training plan and if you can add some uphill running into the beginning of your longer runs it will really pay off.
The information provided by the organisers before the race is adequate but the website could really do with some extra advice and details, especially for the first time runner. Â On the day, the marshals are doing a great job and overall the race runs very smoothly.
To choose a charity to support in this event click here or if you already have a charity in mind click here
