The fifth Ealing Half Marathon takes place in just over two weeks – on Sunday 25 September – but you do not have to be running in it to enjoy the day or take part.
Ealing Half is well known for its huge community support and atmosphere, with runners travelling from all over the UK and abroad to experience it. The race has been voted the UK’s best half marathon for three consecutive years at the Running Awards, and is a firm fixture in the autumn running calendar.
Last year, hundreds of volunteers got involved and had a great time making the half marathon a success for the runners and spectators alike (photo above by Kieren Geaney shows a marshal watching as runners go by). This year, organisers are putting together a volunteer team of 700 people to look after the race village in Lammas Park and also guide runners and help spectators out on the roads of Ealing. You could be one of the 700.
Not only is it a great way to be at the heart of this big community event, which is supported by Ealing Council; but each registered volunteer who completes their role will get a free T-shirt, medal, breakfast roll, drink and a free race place for the following year’s event. There is also a prize draw after the event for four lucky volunteers to win sports vouchers from Up & Running and one will win a magnum of Champagne.
Event co-ordinator Sandra Courtney said: “As always, we are hugely grateful to all the community support which makes the Ealing Half Marathon possible and which ensures a wonderful atmosphere on race day. Now is the perfect time to volunteer and we are looking forward to filling the streets again for the UK’s best half marathon.”
If you would like to volunteer, just head to the Ealing Half Marathon website to complete the registration form and someone will get in touch with you. Road marshals, in particular, are needed.
The route takes the runners around Central Ealing, Montpelier, Pitshanger, West Ealing, Hanwell and St Stephens before crossing the finish line in Lammas Park. Some roads will be closed to traffic during the day to enable the runners to have a safe race.
Go to www.ealinghalfmarathon.com for further race details and information on road closure times or to sign up to volunteer or run.
To keep up to date with all the latest news, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ealinghalf and follow @EalingHalf on Twitter.
