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Bournemouth Half Marathon
The Bournemouth Half Marathon course follows the Full Marathon route, taking in both Boscombe and Bournemouth piers along this coastal route. This is running as it should be!
Running Events
History | Getting Started | Top Events
Running events are some of the most popular types of fitness events out there – and are one of the easiest to get in to, whilst being very tricky to master. Because of this, it is a great place to start when you want to get in to a fitness regime – but there is a lot more to it than simply placing one foot in front of the other!
Brief History of Running
Competitive races are thought to have at first started (as with many sports) with the Ancient Greeks, though many other traces link it to the Egyptians, parts of Asia and many other parts of Africa. One of the earliest recorded event is from 1829 BCE at an Irish festival honouring the goddess Tailtiu in a series of sporting events known as the Tailteann Games. A thousand years later in 776 BCE, we have the first record of the Olympics in Greece, and this is likely where many forms of runs and marathons have their origins.
Since then many different type of events have come about – through the Olympic Games are still probably the most famous. Throughout the world events are held all the time from simple small 5k runs to enormous 26 mile sprints like the London Marathon.
How to get started in running events
Luckily it is one of the easiest sports to get in to – you just need to start moving! Starting off with small jogs and sprints is the best way to get started and then you can slowly start to increase distance to build yourself up to bigger and better runs. I’d suggest started off with something like a 5K as this is not too challenging but long enough for you to get a real sense for what is involved in the sport. You can read our article here all about how to prepare for your first 5K which will give you some more insight on how to get your training started.
Once you get started you will quickly see there is a lot more to taking on a run than simply getting out there and jogging. If you are looking to get serious then you may want to start investing in some good gear – a good pair of running trainers is the best place to start. You can also invest in a lot of other running specific clothing too though be warned things can start to get expensive.
Running Races Near Me
There are quite a lot of different runs to choose from depending on what kind of experience you are looking for, we list some of the best running events in Canada, if you know what type of event you want you can click one of the links below to find out more;
Fun Runs | 5K Runs | 10K Runs | Half Marathons | Marathons
Top Running Events in 2020
We have picked out the best events taking place in 2020. We have lots more listings available, just click on the 'Running Events' tab at the top of this page to find them.
Bournemouth Marathon
Although we have picked this particular event, there are actually 4 different events taking place at the Bournemouth Marathon Festival so you really do have the widest choice available to suit your ability. Not only does it have great options but also stunning scenery, it takes place along the coastline and also the iconic Bournemouth pier. We have been to the Half Marathon event before so check out our review here.
Find out more about the 2020 Bournemouth Marathon
Related Posts
The Bournemouth Half Marathon Course
The Bournemouth half marathon route follows the full marathon route, starting in Kings Park before making it’s way down onto the seafront. You continue to take in the beautiful coastal views as you hit mile 6 – standing mid way between Poole Harbour and Hurst Spit, Hengistbury Head forms the main division between Poole and Christchurch bays. You then turn west and at around mile 8, you run along the breathtaking Boscombe Pier. The Pier was first constructed in 1856. The Pier has undergone numerous transformations over the years, with the addition of the Bournemouth Pier Theatre in 1959. You then run past Lower Gardens at mile 10 before the final home stretch along the stunning coastal seafront and a grandstand finish.
KING’S PARK ATHLETICS CENTRE
An impressive all-weather facility, with a full range of track and field equipment available to hire. It’s home to the Bournemouth Athletics Club and hosts regular competitions and events. The centre includes an all weather track, cross country course, weights room and a throws area. You can watch events from the covered stand and get refreshments from the cafe.
ENTRY BENEFITS
- Wicking finisher’s t-shirt
- Accurate chip timing
- Tailored training plan
- Great finisher’s medal
- Race recovery pack
- Keyring
- Fantastic running experience
RUN FOR CHARITY
Since the event launched in 2013, Bournemouth Marathon Festival runners have raised an astonishing £1.5 million for hundreds of amazing charities. If you’re looking for a reason to become a future BMF charity runner, then look no further! The Official Bournemouth Marathon Festival Charity is Macmillan Cancer Support.
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Charities & Sponsors
British Heart Foundation
Email Address: events@bhf.org.ukPhone Number: 0845 130 8663
British Red Cross
Email Address: supportercare@redcross.org.ukPhone Number: 0344 871 11 11
Children with Cancer UK
Email Address: info@childrenwithcancer.org.ukPhone Number: 020 7404 0808
Epilepsy Action
Email Address: helpline@epilepsy.org.ukPhone Number: 0808 800 5050
MS Society
Email Address: helpline@mssociety.org.ukPhone Number: 0808 800 8000
Target Ovarian Cancer
Email Address: fundraising@targetovariancancer.org.ukPhone Number: 020 7923 5474
