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Bramley 20/10 start

Bramley 20 Heralds Spring

Reading Roadrunners' pre-marathon test races back after three years

You can feel it in the air. It might still be fresh and cold but the days are lengthening, spring is just around the corner and that can only mean one thing to runners – the marathon season is nearly here!

One of the sure signs that winter's vice-like grip is easing is the appearance of 20-mile road races on the events listing – seen by coaches and athletes alike as essential tests for the endurance and pace judgement that will be necessary in just a few short weeks.

The Bramley 20/10 on Sunday (12 February) is perfectly timed for a pre-marathon workout and has been sorely missed since it was last held in 2019 when the 20-mile winners were the host club Reading Roadrunners' Matthew Richards (1:52:59) and Charlotte Firth (Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow AC, 2:06:02).

The accompanying 10-mile race was won by Rob Corney (Reading Roadrunners, 49:43) and Naomi Mitchell (Reading AC, 59:57). Those impressive times are a testament to the fast course that was enjoyed by nearly 1,400 runners, who were evenly divided across both distances.

Three years of disruption and cancellations have understandably had an effect and this year's entries have closed with just under 1,000 participants. Disappointed runners from any of the cancelled events have a discount and priority entry for 2023.

The Bramley 20 course is two laps on quiet, partly-closed roads from Bramley Primary School. In the first mile runners can contemplate their folly of entering without sufficient training as they take Folly Lane to Fair Oak Green. Later on, they head towards Stratfield Mortimer and will need to use their heads on The Forehead to maintain a steady pace with four miles still to go for 10 miles (one lap) or 20 miles on the second lap.

Last-minute doubts regarding the ability to complete the 20 can be eased by the facility to change to the 10 miles by paying a small fee on the day which goes to the club's charity.

Official race merchandise can be purchased from Sporting Print but all finishers will receive the commemorative medal. This helps keep entry fees down to £26/£28 for the Bramley 10 and just £4 more for double the distance.

Previous results are via runABC South race listing here.

Image courtesy Reading Roadrunners on Facebook

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