The Children's Mutual Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon wins Runner's World award.
At the Runners World 'Heroes of Running' Awards ceremony held in London in April 2009, The Children's Mutual Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon (2008 event) was presented with the award for the 'Most Improved Event'.
This was based on feedback from participants and the opinions of Runners World staff and writers. The 2008 event also jumped 10 places in the top 50 list - from 38 to 28 - and was the highest climber. And with over 3000 running events in the UK, this represents a magnificent achievement for organisers, Tunbridge Wells Harriers.
The 2008 event was a sell out for the first time with 1700 entries, it was started by local heroine Dame Kelly Holmes and raised over £10,000 for the 2 main charities - Hospice in the Weald and 121Youth Befriending.
Other winners of the main trophies on the night, included the inspirational Rosie Swale-Pope MBE who dedicated 4.5 years of her life to run around the world unsupported and Dame Kelly Holmes as 'Mentor' for 'on camp with Kelly'.
Race Director Sarah Russell said:
'It was absolutely thrilling to be there alongside the likes of Katharine Merry, previous London Marathon winner, Mike Gratton and Dame Kelly Holmes and go up on stage to collect the award from RW Editor, Andy Dixon. The evening was held at the Imperial War Museum and being surrounded by missiles, a spitfire and bombers was quite an experience. Runners World certainly know how to put on a great bash and it was a wonderful evening.'
She said that the success of the half marathon however, boils down to the unwavering enthusiasm and hard work of Tunbridge Wells Harriers who have organised the race as volunteers for the last 26 years. It continues to go from strength to strength with the support of title sponsor, The Children's Mutual and the other sponsors including Sainsburys, Tunbridge Wells. With support from Kent County Council, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the various community groups in Tunbridge Wells, it is now considered as one of the premier road running events in the South East as well as being the biggest mass participation sporting event in the town.
The 2009 event continued to be a success with another record field of 2000 entries and had the second fastest winning time in the race history. The event raised over £16,000 for charities including the Cardiomyopathy Association and Kent Kids Miles of Smiles and was started by TV Gladiator, Cyclone. Other sponsors included Montane, Sainsburys, Sweatshop, LA Fitness, Taut sports drink and Skins compression clothing.
The 2010 event will take place on 28th February and will again be sponsored by The Children's Mutual. Entries are now open and are limited to 2500. For sponsorship enquiries please contact Sarah Russell on sarah@lifestyle-matters.co.uk or 07900 825 836.