On the last Sunday in September the borough’s streets will once again be filled with crowds as around 7,000 people run the Ealing Half Marathon. Hundreds of local volunteers are crucial to the event taking place: Could you be one?
As well as being a key part of a race that has won multiple national awards, you will also receive a free breakfast roll and drink to keep you going, a special medal for volunteering, an entry into a prize draw and also a free race place for the 2020 Ealing Half Marathon.
Since it started in 2012 the Ealing Half Marathon has grown in stature to become a firm fixture in the UK running calendar.
Apart from being the only completely roads-closed half marathon in west London, one of the secrets to the event’s success is the involvement of the local community. And, if you have not signed up to run the half marathon yourself on 29 September, you can still get involved by volunteering to help on the day.
The half marathon needs around 700 volunteers and race director Sandra Courtney said: “We’ve been overwhelmed each year by the support of the community. People are genuinely really excited to have the event in their town and want to be a part of it.”
Nearly all of those who volunteer are local residents and they provide most of the marshaling to ensure the 13.1-mile route is clear of traffic and safe for runners, as well as providing water stations, bag drop facilities and staffing the race village in Lammas Park. Volunteers are also a big part of the Mini Mile for children and families the day before, on 28 September. There are still roles available for both days and you sign up for either at https://www.ealinghalfmarathon.com/volunteer/
“Alongside our professional team, which includes race organisers and medics, we have many hundreds of volunteers,” said Sandra. “And also a huge number of local people come out to cheer the runners on, along the whole route. It is just fantastic. A lot of the participants say that it’s one of the things that helps make the event feel so great.”
For more details on Ealing Half Marathon, visit: https://www.ealinghalfmarathon.com
The event involves road closures – keep an eye on the half marathon’s website before the event for more information.
