Fleet fights back
Flat, fast, and free photos – what's not to like about Fleet Half Marathon?
The Berkeley Homes Fleet Half Marathon is one of the best-known examples of the spring marathon preparation genre and it was the only 13.1-miler to be personally approved by London Marathon founder Chris Brasher to carry the coveted 'Pre-London' title in its race name.
Fleet Half Marathon was conceived over a pint in the pub by a group of local runners following the success of the ground-breaking London Marathon in 1981 and to this day the event is run by runners, for runners.
Sunday 4th April 1982 saw the launch of Fleet Half Marathon and the inaugural winners were Derek Stevens (1:05:32) and Paula Fudge (1:12:31). An astonishing 1,995 finished that first race – a huge number for a half marathon in those days.
The 2019 ASICS Fleet Half Marathon was won by James Bellward (RAF, 1:07:34) and Lesley Locks (Hart Road Runners, 1:18:27) as 2,701 finished inside three hours – the official cut-off time. Since then, of course, the world has been turned upside down by the Covid pandemic, so the 2019 winners are also the defending champions for this year's event on Sunday 20 March.
Race organisers, Fleet and Crookham AC, who turn out 150 of the cheeriest marshals around, plus many more volunteers for a host of essential roles, are determined to restore Fleet Half Marathon to its former glories after two years' absence. The 2022 race will be dedicated to the memory of club member and 100 Marathon Club runner Lisa Hale.
The race day atmosphere and beautiful course can be viewed in this excellent 2019 video:
There is still time for you to enter this British Association of Road Races Gold standard event for just £28 – which includes a free text of your result; fast, flat, traffic-free course; ChampionChip Timing; professional medical support, and FREE race photos.
For full details visit the Fleet Half Marathon website here
Previous race results and reports from runABC South here.
Image courtesy Fleet Half Marathon Race Director