Top cop to run Basingstoke half marathon in full public order kit

Basingstoke and Deane District Commander Chief Inspector Steve Wallace will take part in this year’s Shire Destination Basingstoke Half-Marathon wearing the uniform, including a riot shield, to raise money for St Michael’s Hospice, in Aldermaston Road, and the Police Dependents’ Trust.

Felicity Edwards, managing director of Destination Basingstoke, which is organising the half-marathon, said: “He has assured us that he can finish the course within the three-hour 15-minute time limit, and he will certainly be able to keep any stragglers in order!”

Places for the event, which is in its third year, are being snapped up as the excitement builds. Runners who have not yet signed up to take part are urged to enter now before it fills up.

This year’s race, on Sunday, October 6, is the third, and the event has attracted new sponsors David Wilson Homes, Lucozade, Newbury Building Society, Fir Tree Clinic, Basingstoke Sports Centre and Festival Place. Phillips Solicitors is sponsoring free T-shirts for participants again, while Shire Pharmaceuticals, based in Chineham, is the headline sponsor for the third year running.

The half-marathon’s reputation has spread since it began in 2011, and it is now rated as one of the top 10 in the country by the readers of respected magazine Runner’s World. For the second year, athletes from Kenya will be chasing the course record, which was set in 2012 at one hour, 4.09 seconds.

Runners entering from official, affiliated clubs have substantially increased this year, meaning competition for the running club trophy will be tough.

The challenging course takes participants from War Memorial Park, out across rolling countryside to Cliddesden, Ellisfield and Farleigh Wallop, before heading back to the park for the finish.

Mrs Edwards said: “We are extremely proud of the success of last year’s race, and have been working hard to make the 2013 race even better.”

To enter the race, visit basingstokehalf|marathon.com.