Tenth anniversary of Portsmouth Coastal Half Marathon aims to build on RNLI fundraising
Portsmouth’s seafront will be inundated with hundreds of enthusiastic runners once again this weekend, ready to take on the gruelling half marathon.
The race has become notorious for its challenging mixed terrain, featuring muddy cross-country sections and a finish that takes runners along the beach itself.
Organised by Believe and Achieve, the Coastal Half Marathon has maintained consistent success since the first race in 2010 and has so far raised over £100,000 for the RNLI Lifeboat Station in Eastney.
The race remains extremely popular, with over 750 entrants each year, and a peak entry of 970 runners in 2017, while last year saw 873 participants.
Historically, the Coastal Half Marathon is a very competitive event, with previous winners posting times within 20 minutes of the World Record despite the added challenge of running off-road.
The fastest recorded time was run in 2012 by Harry Carter, who won that year’s event in 1 hour, 11 minutes and 50 seconds.
Last year was again strewn with strong performances. Personal trainer Ashley Leigh won the race with a time of 1 hour, 20 minutes and 12 seconds, and Jennifer Millett finishing as the fastest woman in 1 hour 30 minutes, and 21 seconds.
Mr Leigh, 33, praised the organising of the event and said: “It was an excellent experience and a real challenge, so I was glad to win the title.
“I have an injury at the moment, unfortunately, otherwise I would be competing again this year.”
Rob Pigott, a personal trainer at Believe and Achieve, began organising the Coastal Half Marathon after previous events ceased to exist.
Speaking before this year’s event, he said: “It’s been an interesting journey, I decided to come up with an alternative idea using some different cross-country areas and it just took off.”
The race itself will begin at 9.15am on Sunday 3rd February with runners departing from the start line at the Pyramids Centre in Southsea.
There is still time to sign up to the event — entry costs £30 and on-the-day entries will be accepted, space permitting.
Trophies will be awarded to various winners throughout the day, and each entrant will receive a bespoke medal along with a goody bag.
To inquire about entering the 2019 Coastal Half Marathon, contact Rob Pigott on 07780675747.
