Lining up at the start of the very first Oswestry Half Marathon on Sunday 30th April will be two brothers taking on their seventh half marathon of the year, as part of an impressive challenge to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK.
Darren and Phil Gibbons’ 2017 Runathon will see them run just over 442 miles between them at 17 half marathons across the country over the course of 2017. It is a gruelling challenge requiring dedication, training and sacrifice, but the two men are committed to raising money to help fund vital research into cancer, which has affected a number of family and friends.
Kicking off their Runathon in style at the ASICS Oulton Park Half Marathon in February, Darren and Phil are very much looking forward to running the Oswestry Half Marathon later this month. Organised by UKRunChat and taking place at the spectacular British Ironwork Centre, the event sold out fast and is set to become a must-do fixture in the UK event calendar.
An eye-catching gorilla medal awaits all finishers of the inaugural race, based on the 12-foot-high Uri Geller spoon gorilla which the British Ironwork Centre is home to. Hand sculpted and sprayed in gold, the medal will be a true collector’s item and a fitting memento of the unique race venue. In addition, runners will be treated to a silver band playing at the start line, a cannon salute at the start of the race and a 20ft gold gorilla sculpture specially created for the start line.
Once the starting cannon has fired at 9.30am, the Oswestry Half will take runners through the Sculpture Park which homes life-size metal wildebeest, cheetahs, elephants and rhinos, before following the 13.1-mile course out on the attractive roads through Oswestry.
“We’re really looking forward to running Oswestry as it will be very different,” confirms Darren. “The medal looks amazing and it will definitely stand out among the others we have earned so far.”
It has certainly been a busy few months for the brothers as they travel up and down the country running races, earning medals and fundraising. Although Darren admits that each experience is different, depending on the weather and course, they are both feeling fitter and Phil, the less experienced runner of the two, has improved his race times dramatically. They have also smashed their fundraising target of £1,500 for Cancer Research UK, raising £1,800 over five races already. Looking ahead, the men are looking forward to taking on the Shrewsbury Half Marathon in June, also organised by UKRunChat, which will mark the 10th half marathon of their 2017 Runathon.
Director of UKRunChat Joe Williams commented, “We are delighted to welcome Darren and Phil Gibbons to the Oswestry Half Marathon, which will be a special day for all involved. For them it is their seventh race in a series of 17 half marathons, which we wish them the very best with, and for us it is our inaugural race in a prestigious and exciting venue.
“The uptake for the first Oswestry Half has been fantastic and the race has sold out much quicker than we had imagined. The spectacular gorilla medal will be a fitting reward for all those who cross the finish line, and we hope that both runners and spectators will take the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking exhibits and the brilliant Family Fun Day activities.”
The Oswestry Half Marathon marks the beginning of a festival of Bank Holiday activities for the whole family. With food stalls, activities for children, free parking and an on-site café, the race is expected to attract plenty of supporters to its spring debut.
In addition to the unique gorilla medal, all finishers will receive a technical t-shirt and goody bag, as well as an optional pre- and post-race massage. A special Spoon Gorilla medal presented on a gold chain will be awarded to the overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed male and female, and to the first placed male and female in the following age categories: 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+.
The Oswestry Half Marathon will be offering free event photography for all competitors through Pic2Go, which allows instant social media sharing and identification of event photos so competitors can immediately share their experiences with friends and family.
Entries for the 2017 Oswestry Half Marathon are closed.
Anyone who has missed out can enter the Shrewsbury Half Marathon on 18th June 2017, which is also organised by UKRunChat. The Shrewsbury Half provides a great mix of historic town and stunning green countryside, and entries cost £25.50 for affiliated athletes and £27.50 for non-affiliated athletes. Team entry for four runners costs £102. Go to
https://www.ukrunchat.co.uk/shrewsbury-half-marathon/ to sign up now.
