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ASICS Fleet Pre-London Half Marathon News

The final preparations are taking place for the 29th ASICS Fleet Pre-London Half Marathon. The very high standards now expected of this race were first set many years ago by its founder - Colin Gostelow to whose memory the race is dedicated following his untimely death last summer at the age of just 66 from a brain tumour. After Colin’s participation in the first London Marathon he decided that the Marathon needed a warm up event and he called in the help of friends and members of the Fleet & Crookham AC to organise the local race that continues today. Chris Brasher the founder of the London Marathon gave permission for the event to be called The Fleet Pre-London Half Marathon, a title that endures today.

The race entry limit of 3000 places were all snapped up way before the closing date - 400 entries were received on the first day of going on-line back in December. The Race Director Penny Abbott says “I am delighted that the race filled up so quickly this year. This is a real tribute to the efforts Colin Gostelow put into the race over the years. Colin set high standards and this is what brings the runners back year after year. They know it is a well organised event catering for all of their needs on the day which is why we are a BARR (British Association of Road Races) Gold standard event. We hope we can count on the residents of Fleet and the surrounding villages to support the event as in previous years. We appreciate it does cause some disruption but we do try to highlight this to everyone by advanced warning signs, press, TV and local radio coverage. Fleet should be proud of the race - these community based events have gone from so many towns and we don’t want to see this happen to Fleet.

My message to the runners is good luck and we hope you enjoy your run. Fingers crossed that the sun shines on the day.”

The prestigious race, which takes place on Sunday 21st March will start at 11.30am. As in previous years, the organisers have secured a closure order relating to the roads on which the race takes place (see map). This is a rolling road closure with the roads reopening as soon as possible after the runners have passed. The road signage that is placed along the race route notes the times that individual roads will be closed.

The official website www.fleethalfmarathon.com also contains a listing of the roads affected together with anticipated closing and re-opening times. The organisers appreciate the patience and understanding of the motorists who may experience some delay in their journeys if they travel during the road closure times. We always aim to minimise disruption as far as possible.

Among the runners will be serious athletes competing for the top places, those chasing the elusive PB; people trying to complete their 1st half marathon and the charity runners - many running in memory of a loved one. Colin’s son, Neil Gostelow will be running this year in memory of his father and trying to raise money for the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust. “I ran the Fleet Half marathon 2 years ago to raise money for the Chris Parrott foundation, a foundation set up in memory of a close friend of mine from Fleet who sadly died following a tragic climbing accident in Wales. At the time I swore that this was going to be the last long distance run I was ever going to do. Following the sad loss of my dad last year to a brain tumour I have decided to dust my running shoes off once again (they still had the dirt on them from the 2008 half marathon) to run the Fleet half marathon again which this year is being run in memory of my dad. I have also persuaded 13 of my friends and work colleagues to do the same. As a team we are aiming to raise over £3000 for the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour trust, a charity that was set up in 1996 by the parents of Samantha Dickinson a local girls who sadly died of a brain tumour on 31st October 1996, just 6 days before her 17th birthday. Since 1996, the Trust which is still based in Yateley has become the largest brain tumour charity in the UK with the highest level of laboratory based childhood and adult brain tumour research in the country. The trust offers support to patients, diagnosed with a brain tumour as well as their families and carers.”

Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, the race’s associated charity since it started will once again be entering a large team that includes a host of TV celebrities. Many members of the team are regular visitors to Fleet. Chris Chittell who plays Eric Pollard, Nicola Wheeler (Nicola De Souza) and Lesley Dunlop (Brenda Walker) all from Emmerdale will find the streets of Fleet familiar. Similarly, Jason Flemyng the British film actor or Lock Stock and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Steve Hartley (The Bill) and many others have run the race on several occasions.

Part of the race’s success is due to the good support from local residents who line the streets and keep the runners’ spirits high. Look out for the celebrities wearing the bright yellow TV Times/Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Fund vests and given them a cheer. The team are affectionately referred to as the “Banana Army” due to these distinctive yellow t-shirts. Since the race started back in 1981 the Fleet Half Marathon has raised more than £120,000 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. Kate White, Director of Fundraising of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research said “The Fleet Half Marathon is always a great event - well organised and with lots of supporters along the route to cheer our runners on! It is wonderful that so many people keep showing up every year to run for us, helping raise awareness and money for vital research into leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.”

The race’s main sponsor is ASICS, the international sports company who have signed a contract to remain its main sponsor for at least the next 3 years. Other sponsors are Amazon Windows of Fleet, BMW Barons of Farnborough, Hart Leisure Services, The Sweatshop of Woking and Trinity Photography. The sponsors’ contribution is vital to ensure the race maintains its renowned respect within the athletic arena. The organisers would also like to thank Hampshire Police and Hart Safety Council for their pre-event advice. The following groups ensure that the day runs smoothly; RAYNET, St. John Ambulance, doctors and staff of The Event Medicine Company, Running Imp, all race officials, local Scouts and Guide groups, ATC, all volunteer marshals, drink station organisers and members of Fleet and Crookham AC.

Fleet and Crookham AC is a long established athletics and running club whose members compete in track and field, cross country and road running events, including the London Marathon. It has both adult and junior sections. The main Club training nights are Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.45pm at the Peter Driver Sports Ground on Bourley Road. As well as the Fleet Half Marathon the Club also organises the Fleet 10K in October and supports the cross country series at Lord Wandsworth School in Long Sutton. Further details can be found on their website www.fleetandcrookhamac.org.uk

For more information contact publicity@fleethalfmarathon.com.

Fast Feet Run Round Fleet

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ENDS