Things have changed a bit since this photo was taken of the inaugural Cheltenham Half Marathon in 1981. Run Cheltenham is the new name for the event that now comprises a half marathon, 10K, and a Community Mile on Sunday 4 September 2022.

This year the numbers will be printed and not stencilled on cards that would disintegrate if it rains – which is unlikely with a mild, sunny morning forecast by the Met Office. Cheltenham's Half Marathon started life over 40 years ago with an almost entirely male field and a delayed start due to heavy traffic!

Last year's half marathon had 2,007 finishers in 3:42:12 and nearly 800 were females. The overall winners were Dom James (Western Tempo, 1:08:14) and Jessica Saunders (Belgrave, 1:21:29). The 10K was enjoyed by 311 runners in 2:03:59, with John Hobbs (Valley Striders, 34:00) and Yvonne Neubauer (45:25) setting the pace at the front. 

Based at the spectacular Cheltenham Racecourse, there is plenty of parking and room for everyone. The course is mostly flat and highlights the splendour of the historic Regency town in Gloucestershire, including Cheltenham's Town Hall, Pittville Park, and the famous Pittville Pump Rooms before a final gallop around the Racecourse to the finish.

Cheltenham Half Marathon will have pacers for 1:30:00; 2:00:00 and 2:30:00 times and elite entrants (1:10:00 for men; 1:20:00 for women) receive free entry and a range of benefits, as do good for age competitors, as the organisers seek to improve the peak of the pyramid as well as broadening the base.

Cheltenham Half Marathon is presented by Elysium Healthcare and the South West Operations Director, Kim Hill said: “Fitness is an important part of life, which we encourage at Elysium for our staff and service users. Partnering with Run Cheltenham is a natural fit for this, and we're thrilled to be a part of this event".

Link to previous results and reports at runABC race listing here

Photo from Steve Thomas on Old Running Results and Pictures Facebook