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Thousands of runners gear up for half marathon

Lucy ThorneSouth of England
News imageReading Borough Council Dozens of runners gather after crossing the finish line. A clock above the finish line displays the time 2 hours, 12 minutes and 37 seconds. In the foreground a marker flag say 2 hours and two runners in navy blue t-shirts take a selfie Reading Borough Council
The race finishes at the Select Car Leasing stadium (pictured in a previous year)

Thousands of runners are preparing to take part in the Green Park Reading Half Marathon on Sunday.

The 13.1-mile (21km) route will see participants weave their way through Reading before crossing the finish line in front of a crowd at Reading FC's Select Car Leasing stadium.

A number of roads will be closed along the route through the Berkshire town between 06:00 and 16:00 GMT.

Temporary diversions will be in place and Reading Borough Council said closures will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so on the day.

Runners will leave Green Park at 10:15, heading to Whitley and then on to the University of Reading campus before making their way towards the town centre.

They will continue to Prospect Park before hitting the A4 Bath Road and on down the A33 to the finish line at the stadium.

More than 15,000 well-wishers are expected to line the route, cheering on experienced runners, fun runners and those raising money for charity.

In 2025, participants raised just under £500,000 for dozens of good causes.

Before the main event, a 3km (1.8 miles) mini marathon will take place in Green Park from 08:30.

News imageReading Council Map of half marathon route. Route is shown in green with yellow stars showing where charity cheering points are. Reading Council
Reading Half Marathon route map

The council has urged drivers to allow more time for journeys on Sunday.

Motorists using the M4 are advised to use junction 10 for Wokingham/Bracknell or junction 12 for Calcot/Theale until 14:00 to avoid closures near junction 11.

The Oracle Riverside car park will be closed until about 12:40 but The Oracle Holybrook car park will remain open.

Smallmead Recycling Centre will also be shut, reopening at about 14:30 once most of the runners have passed.

The half marathon, currently organised by Goldline Events, has been taking place since 1983 and over the years has raised millions of pounds for Reading and Berkshire charities.