Runners put best foot forward for Cheltenham's first running festival
It will take place at Cheltenham Racecourse on Sunday June 13
1,000 avid runners are preparing to put their best foot forward for Cheltenham's first ever running festival.
Organised by Run Through, one of Britain's largest running events organisers, locals are set to take on a 5k, 10k or half marathon at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Seven million people across UK turned to running or jogging to care for their mental health during Covid crisis according to a survey by Macmillan Cancer Support.
Run Through have been organising Covid-secure events during the pandemic to help like-minded people come together and share their love for the sport as well as enabling people to pursue running to help with their mental health.
Matt Wood, Co-Found of Run Through, said: "Even before the pandemic when we would hold events, there was a community of people who were very like-minded.
"They talked about the same things and even though they might not be as fast as each other they all have the same thing in common: they just like going for a run.
"When you come to a Run Through race we all stay to the finish, we cheer everyone across the finish line and make sure everyone has that kind of winners experience because it's really important to us".
The arrival of the running festival in Cheltenham symbolises the growth of people taking up running during lockdown with Run Through now planning to host over 200 festival across the country throughout the next year.
Hosting running events during the pandemic looks a little different to how Run Through would normally organise them and the organisation have lead the way in ensuring Covid-compliance is a priority at the festivals.
Matt continued: "“Last year, we developed a blueprint for Covid-safe races. Before race day, to reduce contact, we sent out race packs to runners early so participants can arrive ‘ready-to-race’.
"When people arrive at our race village, they are greeted by marshals, some wearing full-face visors and all wearing PPE.
“As well as face shields, our staff also wear gloves to reduce the risk of germ transmission. We have sanitiser stations with hand gels and runners are discouraged from bringing belongings so we can reduce contact with others in baggage areas.”
“Our starts are staggered and runners are guided to set off in waves of 4 to 6 to ease congestion,” added Wood. “And fast runners are asked to give slower participants space when overtaking, of around 2 metres".
Cheltenham Running Festival will take place at Cheltenham Racecourse on Sunday June 13. More information can be found here: www.cheltenhamrunningfestival.com/