London: From the stunning Serpentine through the green heart of London: The inaugural Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon and Brakes Food & Fitness Festival takes place next month.
On Sunday 12 October 2008 (8.30am to 4pm), the Royal Parks Foundation launches its first ever Half Marathon through the green lungs of the capital and will host the Brakes Food & Fitness Festival in Hyde Park to which entry is free.
12,500 runners will race over a 13.1 mile route that takes in all aspects of our diverse and colourful city and passes through King Henry VIIIs old hunting grounds. Starting in the autumn colours of Hyde Park, the route goes through Green Park and St Jamess Park, along the ancient Thames, past the futuristic London Eye, back to the historic Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens, finishing once again in Hyde Park. Runners will then be able to join friends and family and rejuvenate at the Brakes Food & Fitness Festival taking place all day in Hyde Park.
The Brakes Food & Fitness Festival will offer something for everyone runners and non-runners alike. Activities throughout the day will include:
· Warm up with the British Military Fitness team at 9.30am
· SUPERChick stretch workshop for tired muscles
· Learn to be a Parkour – (think James Bond in the opening scenes of Casino Royale)
· Kids craft area with face-painting and lots of other free fun
· Tennis skills training, plus hockey and football challenges with a giant inflatable football goal and speed camera
· Army climbing wall
· Massage area
· Farmers market stalls for those who would rather just relax and enjoy some delicious food
Echoing the ethos of the Royal Parks, the Half Marathon aims to be as environmentally friendly as possible with bamboo t-shirts, medals carved from sustainable pine, recycled water bottles and a Fairtrade banana for every runner. Funds raised will benefit The Royal Parks Foundation, plus the work of hundreds of other charities, large and small, from around the UK.
In keeping with the something for everyone theme, there are a variety of prize categories for runners including:
Open Men
Open Women
Senior Women 40-55 year olds
Senior Men 45-60 year olds
Veteran Women 55+
Veteran Men 60+
Corporate Challenge (Fastest Team & Best Dressed Team)
Most Successful Fundraiser
Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon timings:
· 8.30 – Runners should arrive at 8.30 to check in bags
· 9.30 – British Military Fitness warm up
· 10.00 – Run starts in Hyde Park
· Brakes Food & Fitness Festival open between 8.30am-4pm
The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon
· The Royal Parks Foundation is the charity for London’s eight Royal Parks. For further information please visit: www.royalparksfoundation or visit The Royal Parks at www.royalparks.org.uk
Headline sponsor
· Brakes – Brakes is the headline partner for the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon and is the UKs leading foodservice providerwww.brake.co.uk