The 7th Tonbridge Half Marathon will be held on Sunday 1st October 2017 and is being staged jointly by Tonbridge Rotary Club and Tonbridge Lions Club to raise money for Compaid, Porchlight and other local charities. It has some of the best facilities of any half marathon in the country, and runners receive a finishers medal and goody bag, and souvenir a technical t-shirt can be purchased for £6. Runners are also encouraged to raise money for their own chosen charities - over £50,000 was raised in each of the first six years!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE RACE

Our guest starter will be British race walker TOM BOSWORTH who holds the British Records for walking 3k, 5k, 10k and 20k.  Tom finished 6th in the Rio Olympics 20k walk.  Given his 20k record of 1:20:13 on a flat course, Tom would probably complete our half marathon (21k) course in well under 1 hour 30 minutes, taking into account the undulations (!) so the challenge is, can you run it faster than Tom could walk it?!!!

The event is being staged in partnership with Nice Work and the Race Director will be Martin Burke. Based in East Sussex, Nice Work was established in 1989 and, over a period of years, has developed into a leading road running event management company. Their race organisation and management services include everything from course design and location-finding through to timing and on-the-day race management.

There are 1500 places available with a further 100 reserved for charities. You can enter via the Book-it-Zone, Runners World or runBritain websites or you can download an entry form and enter by post. You can enter right up to the day before the race. For the first time, entries on the day will be permitted BUT ONLY IF THE RACE HAS NOT REACHED ITS LIMIT OF 1600.

The race starts at West Kent College at 10.00.  It is run over a pan-handle out and back course, accurately measured on roads and lanes to the south of Tonbridge town. Most of the course has complete road closure. Though not flat, this is a challenging race where you'll receive huge support as you go through the pretty village of Leigh, both on your way out and again on the way back, and an equally enthusiastic welcome on your return to Tonbridge. We regret that this event will not be suitable for wheelchair competitors.

The venue is easy to reach by train or car and there is ample parking close to the start.  The crowd support around the course is brilliant, particularly in Leigh. There are four water stations around the course, where the 8th Tonbridge (Hildenborough) Scouts will provide their usual excellent service. Each water station will also have a portable toilet nearby.

The Tonbridge Half Marathon is run under UK Athletics rules, and S. E. Medical provides a first class medical support. Sussex Sport Photography will be taking professional photos which can be purchased online after the event.

"As usual, an amazing race. Have run all 6 of them and this year I got a PB! Still buzzing from crossing the finishing line of my local race with a PB. Great organisation, super friendly marshals and amazing crowd support at Leigh village. It felt that everybody was out cheering us on. Thanks to the marshals and to the organiser for a fab race."  Grazia Manzotti 2016

"I was working providing first aid cover on the day for the event medical company, S.E. Medical, rather than running, but just reading a few comments on this page I wanted to say how impressed I was with the organisation of the event. I participate in over 40 events a year, and I see some some some great organisations and I see some shocking ones. I have to say you have a lot to be thankful for with this event - hundreds of volunteers, lots of marshals, good safety planning. If only all events were run this way! Well done everyone who took part.  It was a lovely event to work, with a great atmosphere."  James Crawley 2016

The race headquarters will once again be at the magnificent West Kent College, part of the Hadlow Group, with separate male/female changing facilities, secure bag and valuables storage, wonderful sports massage from our lovely team in outstanding facilities, lots of indoor toilets, a café and a warm-up area. There is ample parking in West Kent College and further car parking is available in the town centre, 5 minutes walk away.