It's all been a little stop start for Erewash Half Marathon. The popular Midlands event was launched in 2017 and was very well received by the Derbyshire and Notts running communities.

There was no race in 2020 and, after a tentative return in 2021 as we all took our first baby steps out of the pandemic, organisers Stuweb have confirmed that it  will be back with all guns blazing on Sunday 1 October.

The point to point event using the same seeded start format as the very popular Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon will begin at the Canal Basin at Langley Mill and travel the 13.1 miles south along the Erewash Canal to Long Eaton and the finish at West Park Leisure Centre in Longeaton.

Competitors head off in small waves and enjoy a traffic-free route along the canal towpaths. A chip timed, flattish multi-terrain course with floating water stations approximately every three miles.

The route, which is particularly scenic, will take in Bennerley Viaduct and Sandiacre Locks. Built in 1877, the Bennerley Viaduct is a disused railway viaduct spanning the Erewash Valley between Awsworth (Nottinghamshire) and Ilkeston (Derbyshire). It's a Grade II listed structure which was closed to rail traffic in 1968 when it was a victim to the notorious Beechings Report. Rail travel's loss was running's gain however, as it has been a popular route for local runners ever since.

Registration for the Erewash Half Marathon will be at West Park and there is a bus available to take runners to the start line if required. There are still entries available for the event and you can sign up here

All finishers will receive a medal and a race day memento.

Image courtesy: Stuweb Events.