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Thousands take part in Reading Half Marathon

Sam Skeates,Readingand
Curtis Lancaster,South of England
News imageCrowds of people running along a road with spectators on the grass and pavement beside it.
News imageCrowds of people including some women in brightly coloured dresses warn over their fitness attire running along a road with spectators on the grass and pavement beside it.
Runners set off along a residential stretch of the route as spectators watched from the pavement
Participants made their way through tree‑lined roads as the field spread out early in the race

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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