Thousands take part in Reading Half Marathon
Participants snaked their way through the Berkshire town before crossing the finish line.
Thousands of runners have taken part in the Green Park Reading Half Marathon. Participants snaked their way through the Berkshire town, passing landmarks and residential streets before crossing the finish line in front of cheering crowds at Reading FC's Select Car Leasing Stadium. Spectators lined the 13.
1‑mile (21km) route from early morning, with local running clubs, charity teams and first‑timers among those taking part. A number of roads were closed for the event, with volunteers and marshals stationed along the course to help guide runners and hand out water. The race, first held in 1983, has become one of the region's biggest annual sporting events and has raised millions of pounds for charities in Reading and Berkshire over the years.
A 3km (1. 8-mile) race also took place in Green Park before the main event, giving younger runners and families a chance to join in. Early spring sunshine added to the atmosphere, as supporters gathered with banners and homemade signs to cheer on friends and family.
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