Windsor Half Marathon opens up to charities

The decision to open up the Windsor Half Marathon to new charities has had a fantastic response say the organisers.

For the first time in three decades the event - taking place on Sunday, September 29 - will welcome extra charities that want to use the race as a platform to raise awareness and funds.

As usual this year the 5,000 places on the run were snapped up in weeks.

Scope, which supports disabled people and their families, was the first 'gold level' charity to be announced - after 200 of its supporters bought places on the run.

Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research was the first 'silver level' charity - with 100 supporters buying places. Other charities taking part include CRY, Clic Sargent, Childlife, Three:Eighteen, Camp Simcha, Alzheimer’s Society as well as the founding charity Crash which has been involved from the first race in 1981.

Windsor Half Marathon race director Peter Hier commented: “We are proud that our prestigious event allows charities of all sizes to get visibility and to raise money for their causes.

“The feedback from the charities has been very positive and we look forward to building on this year’s success for years to come.”

The Windsor Half Marathon takes place in Windsor Great Park and is run on traffic-free roads with the start and finish on the Long Walk.

There are still some limited options available for any charities wanting to get involved this year - contact www.runwindsor.com/charities/ .

The Windsor Half Marathon was first run in 1982 and has grown in stature throughout this period. It was launched as an annual fundraising initiative to raise funds to help support the Prince Philip Trust and CRASH the building industry charity for the homeless.