Runners keen to take part in a live race need look no further than Milton Keynes Winter Half Marathon. Scheduled for the weekend 12 to 13 December it has a new headline sponsor – Xero, who are enthusiastic in their support of this event and Willen Hospice, the official charity partner. Also new for this year is a virtual option. 

The Xero Milton Keynes Winter Half Marathon is one of a handful of events taking place this month, operating within the tier system as per government guidelines. However, runners living in Tier 3: Very High Alert are unable to participate this year as the government has advised against travelling out of the area. 

Those able to take part choose their own start waves and follow advice given by the organisers, Big Cow Sports who have worked hard to ensure this Covid-secure event goes ahead. There is a scenic, one-lap, traffic-free course to test lockdown legs and fitness levels that passes alongside the Grand Union Canal and through the parks in Milton Keynes not forgetting the famous concrete cows. 
   
The course is fully signed and marshalled and there are water stations at the 6 mile mark: toilets en route and medical support as normal. 

There are prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female – fastest over both days – and age group winners. These will be posted to the winners after the race. Every finisher receives a medal and event T-shirt.

The Xero Virtual Milton Keynes Winter Half Marathon can be run on a course anywhere in the UK and overseas and participants send their results and photos by the 13 December. 

More information about both events and how to enter can be found at the Big Cow Sports website. 
 
Image courtesy of Big Cow Sports