Experienced athletes and enthusiastic novices are gearing up to take place in the Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday 19th February
The Tunbridge Wells race is recognised as one of the best in the country, with a picturesque course through the Kent Weald. More than 1,500 runners are expected to take on the 13.1 miles, which includes the challenging Spring Hill through Fordcombe towards the end.
‘It’s a race run by runners for runners, and all our profit goes to charity,’ said Mark Taylor of the Tunbridge Wells Harriers, who organise the half marathon. ‘Over the last five years alone the race has donated more than £120,000 to local causes. The main beneficiaries this year are The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, Tunbridge Wells Counselling Centre and The Bridge Trust.’
The event, which attracts runners from across the UK, is being sponsored by Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells for the second year, with all entrants receiving a free technical running T-shirt and bespoke medal. The private healthcare and wellbeing provider is contributing a range of expert services to enhance the fitness and health of the runners and to ensure the smooth running of the event. ‘As a leading healthcare provider in Tunbridge Wells, it’s fantastic to be involved in one of the biggest sporting events in the town’s calendar, especially as it matches our philosophy of complete health, fitness and wellbeing,’ said Penny Pontet, Hospital Director of Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells.
Personal trainers from Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Fitness and Wellbeing Gym will lead the warm up on race day, while the Hospital’s physiotherapists will be providing massages to runners after they have crossed the finishing line. ‘With any exercise, it’s really important to protect your body from injury. Our personal trainers and physiotherapists can help you train effectively and safely, and help you overcome injuries successfully, so you can get the most out of race day,’ said Lorraine Harris, physiotherapy manager at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells. There are also a range of expert articles on running safely and how to avoid injury during training on www.nuffieldhealth.com.
The course is a single lap, anti-clockwise loop, starting and finishing in Southborough, and passing through Bidborough, Penshurst, Fordcombe, Langton Green and Tunbridge Wells. There are approved road closures in place during the race; full details are available on the Tunbridge Wells Harriers website.
You can also book a place to compete in the Half Marathon online
