Another string has been added to the bow of the famous Fleet Half Marathon. Following the late cancellation of the Great South Run – as reported here in runABC South – the Fleet Half has stepped in to host the final qualification race for the England Masters team to compete in the Masters International to be held within the Swansea Half Marathon on 8 June 2025.

The Priority First Fleet Half Marathon will next be held on Sunday 16 March 2025 and entries are still available for the race: 'organised by runners, for runners, since 1982'. Fleet & Crookham AC is justifiably proud of its community event, turning out more than 120 marshals and many other volunteers every year, involving its junior members in the organisation to help inspire the athletes of the future. 

The race has hosted the Army and Inter-Services Half Marathon Championships for many years and it is perfectly positioned for a marathon warm-up with the 44th TCS London Marathon five weeks later. At the time of this preview, 16 Sundays were available for the traditional long runs to build the necessary stamina for the Fleet Half, followed by a final push towards that spring marathon target.

There is a new headline sponsor – Priority First Premium Security Services – and a minor course tweak among changes for this year. Still, the essence of the Fleet Half is preserved as the crowd support and enthusiastic marshals will get behind the runners who the experienced Xempo Pacers will again aid.

Is the course fast? You bet it's fast. This year's winner was Sam Bramwell (Herne Hill Harriers) in 1:05:06 – a personal best by 91 seconds – and Georgie Bruinvels of Aldershot, Farnham & District AC won the women's title in 1:16:08 – the sixth fastest W35 master's time recorded in 2024. You can relive the excitement of this year's race through our race report here...

Value for money continues to be one of the hallmarks of this popular event, with entry fees of £30 (affiliated) and £32 (unattached). Race t-shirts are available for £12 extra and voluntary donations are encouraged for the main event charity, The British Heart Foundation, in memory of long-serving Start Director David Holdaway, who died suddenly just two weeks after fulfilling his duties at this year's race.

Master athletes (over 35 years) who wish to be considered for England Masters selection must enter the Fleet Half Marathon first and then register their interest on Roster Athletics here.

Race Director Penny Abbott says: "Our volunteers are already working hard to bring you another community-based event where elite athletes, top masters, military personnel, club runners and charity runners are equally welcome. The medals have been ordered, entries are flooding in, and 16 Sundays remain for those long training runs. We look forward to seeing you soon."

For more information visit the Fleet Half Marathon website here.

Results and previous news items available via the runABC race listing here.

Image courtesy Priority First Fleet Half Marathon on Facebook