Running the Plymouth Half Marathon

Over the last decade, the Plymouth half marathon has become a highlight of Britain’s outdoor athletics calendar and is now considered to be one of the top ten runs in the UK. This year’s race takes place on Sunday the 29th of May and starts at 8.30 in the morning. Thousands of athletes, both professional and amateur are expected to take part, many with the aim of raising money for charity. Although not as gruelling as a full marathon, the Plymouth race is a challenge in itself, especially so if the famous Devon summer weather decides to make an appearance on the day.



The 13.1 mile (or 21,1 kilometre) course weaves around the south of the city before swinging out west over the Laira Bridge to Pomphlett and Plymstock and then on up to Saltram Park before swinging back over the bridge and back through the city centre. The starting line is on Royal Parade while the race finishes on the Promenade, one of Plymouth’s most iconic locations, after hugging the coastline for the last few miles. Much of the race takes place on the city’s roads, making it hard going for runners who aren’t used to running long distances on tarmac.

For those who don’t fancy taking on the challenge of the half marathon, there are a variety of other events on the day that are suitable for people of all levels of fitness. The 10 kilometre race is a popular choice for those out to raise money for good causes, which include official charities The Drake Foundation, CHICKS, RNLI, St Luke’s Hospice and many more, and is a worthy achievement in its own right. A one mile fun run the previous day is ideal for those who want to get into the spirit of the event but don’t have time to train while a Schools Challenge pits Plymouth’s schools against each other for medals, as well as a prize for the team that has the highest percentage of participants from its school.



Last year’s Plymouth half marathon drew a record number of entrants, with over 6,000 people of all levels taking part. The 2010 winner was Jean Ndayisenga who was born in Burundi and finished the course in 66 minutes and 32 seconds. The first Plymouth resident to cross the finish line was school teacher Kairn Stone, who wasn’t far behind Ndayisenga with a very impressive time of 68 minutes and 53 seconds. The current record holders for the course are Simon Arusei and Twedros Shiferaw who both clocked a time of 63 minutes and 34 seconds.



Even if you’re an experienced runner, you are sure to be exhausted at the end of the half marathon. Thankfully, many hotels in Plymouth are ideally placed so that you won’t have far to go once you cross the finishing line.



Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.