Half marathon will boost Chichester's athletics calendar

Organisers are hoping for around 1,000 runners for the new Chichester Half Marathon, which promises a challenging but beautiful 13.1-mile course through Chichester city centre and the South Downs.

It will raise vital funds for Children on the Edge, a Chichester-based international charity.

Spokeswoman Esther Smitheram said: “The route, which includes a mixture of road, cross country and cycle path terrain, will start at Chichester College and take in the historic sites of Chichester, including the Cathedral and the walls.

“It will lead up to the pinnacle of the Downs before wending its way back down Centurion Way.”

Children on the Edge are organising the event in conjunction with Chichester District Council on Sunday, October 14.

The race is expected to be hugely popular and is already being supported by local running clubs.

The main sponsors of the race are Montezuma’s Chocolates and Store Property.

Smitheram added: “Where war, natural disaster, poverty and abuse rob children of the essential ingredients that make up a full childhood, Children on the Edge aims to give these things back. From setting up safe learning centres for working and refugee children in Bangladesh, to preventing sex trafficking in Moldova, to working with children fleeing ethnic cleansing in Burma and helping children from the slums in Port au Prince, Haiti; they work with children who really are living on the edge.

“The half marathon will be a fantastic way to raise funds for these and many more of their projects. By paying an entry fee and running the Chi half you will already be helping the charity, and a little really can go a long way in the places where they work.

“Better still, you can set up a just giving page and get sponsored for your run, or purchase a T-shirt or running vest with proceeds going to their work.

“The race will take up to 1,000 runners and is open to all entrants whether you’re an elite athlete or jogging around dressed as Elvis.”

You can register online at www.racetimingsystems.com or call Children on the Edge on 01243 538530 for a form. There’s an early-bird rate for applications received before June 30 of £20 (affiliated UK Athletics Association) and £23 (non-affiliated).

After June 30, the cost for athletes is £22 (affiliated UKAA) and £25 (non affiliated).

To keep updated on news and tips, go to www.childrenontheedge.org/chichesterhalf-marathon, look at the ‘Chichesterhalf’ facebook page or follow @Chichesterhalf on twitter.