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ASICS Fleet Pre-London Half Marathon News

Fleet & Crookham Athletic Club has opened the entries for the 29th ASICS Fleet pre-London Half Marathon which is taking place on 21st March 2010. On the first day of the on-line entries being available through the Website www.fleethalfmarathon.com 400 places were snapped up. The race entry limit is 3,000 so to avoid disappointment the organisers urge runners to get their entries in early. Entry forms are being distributed throughout the local running clubs and sport centres and can also be picked up at The Harlington Centre in Fleet.

This year’s race is dedicated to the memory of the founder of this prestigious event, Colin Gostelow who sadly died in July of this year, aged just 66. Following Colin’s participation in the first London Marathon he decided that the marathon needed a warm up event and called in the help of friends and members of the Fleet & Crookham AC to organise the 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 remains today. Penny Abbott of Fleet & Crookham AC says “I am back at the helm after a 5 year break as Race Director. My return coincides with the previous race director deciding to step down after moving away and a promise I made to Colin earlier this year when he was ill. Colin always believed that the race should be organised “by runners, for runners” and over the years he continued to always improve the race and see every aspect of it from the runners perspective. We strive to continue this ethos and will think about Colin’s approach in everything we do to make it the perfect day.”

The race which has achieved Gold rating each year by the UK Athletics since the rating was introduced is sponsored by ASICS, the international sports company who have just signed a contract to remain the race’s main sponsor for at least the next 3 years. Local sponsors are Amazon Windows of Fleet, BMW Barons of Farnborough, Hart Leisure Services and Sweatshop. The sponsors’ contribution is vital to ensure the race maintains its renowned respect within the athletic arena.

Part of the race’s success is due to the support from local residents who line the streets and keep the runner’s spirits high. They are supporting their loved ones along the 13.1 mile course and also trying to spot one of the many celebrities who are running for the TV Times/Leukaemia Research team - the associated charity since it started.

The race is organised by the Fleet & Crookham Athletic Club who meet at the Peter Driver sports ground off Bourley Road on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm. The club also organises the successful Fleet 10k in October and the members compete in track and field, cross country and road races. For more information visit the club’s website www.fleetandcrookhamac.org.uk.

For more information contact publicity@fleethalfmarathon.com.

Fast Feet Run Round Fleet

www.fleethalfmarathon.com

ENDS