Record number of runners set off from the start line of the Coventry Half Marathon

[dutchman]

A record-breaking number of runners crossed the start line of this year's Coventry Half Marathon.



Thousands of participants crowded together at the start of the 13.1 mile course waiting excitedly for the starting gun to signal the beginning of this year's half-marathon.

At 9am the runners flew out of the gate next to Coventry Transport Museum in Millennium Place to begin the route that will take them through Radford to Allesley and back into the city centre.

The streets were lined with spectators cheering on their loved ones as they pounded through the starting gate.

Organisers believe that a record-breaking number of participants have signed up this year with all places being sold out for the first time in the marathon's history.

Last year, more than 4,000 runners took part.

[dutchman]

Question mark over future of Coventry Half Marathon after organisers pull out



The future of the Coventry Half Marathon is in doubt after organisers chose not to renew their contract.

Coventry City Council have said that no final decision has been made on whether one of the city’s most popular sporting events will take place.

Charities have now raised concerns that they will not be able to benefit from the February race, which draws thousands of runners from across the country and raises tens of thousands of pounds for good causes.

According to the council, despite the success of this year’s half marathon, GO2 Events chose not to renew their three-year contract to organise the event.

Doubts were first raised over whether next year’s half marathon would take place after organisers failed to contact local charities about becoming ‘charity partners’.

Mick McCann, fundraising manager at Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, said: “Local charities have benefitted enormously.

“Zoe’s Place, being the official, ‘local’ charity partner twice in the last three years, has raised over £100,000 from the Coventry Half Marathon.

“I have concerns that because of ‘cuts’ we are set to lose our most prestigious, mass participation sporting event especially in light of the decision to continue to ‘bankroll’ the Godiva Festival, which is free for all.”

The council have told the Telegraph that they will be exploring all alternative options to ensure the future of the event.

Coun Abdul Khan, deputy leader and cabinet member with responsibility for events, said: “Coventry’s Half Marathon is a popular event which attracts thousands of runners and visitors to the city, raises lots of money for charities and helps raise Coventry’s profile on the national stage.

“Whilst this is disappointing news, particularly given the recent growth in the event, we will be seeking initially to discuss with a number of local partners and stakeholders, options to try and build on what has grown to be a successful event.”

He added: “We would like to thank and acknowledge GO2’s professionalism and support to work in partnership with the council over the last three years.”

Last year, a record breaking number of runners crossed the start line of the 13.1 mile course. An estimated 4,000 ran the race in February to raise money for a number of local and national charities and good causes.

The 2016 half marathon also hosted the city’s first ever wheelchair race with athletes from Coventry Godiva Harriers.

The Telegraph has contacted GO2 Events for a comment.

[dutchman]

Coventry Half Marathon SAVED by £50,000 city council bail-out

Coventry’s half marathon is set to be saved with a £50,000 council bail-out.

It was thought that the popular event would be axed after organisers GO2 Events chose not to renew their contract.

But the council has said it will be discussing a plan to approve the additional funding at a cabinet meeting on November 1.

The contingency fund would provide the financial security for the council to deliver a 2017 event in the spring.

It would also ensure continuity and certainty of the race’s place in the annual calendar for runners, volunteers and supporters.

Coun Abdul Khan, deputy leader and cabinet member responsible for events, said: “Following the recent announcement by GO2 Events not to seek an extension to their contract to deliver the event, we have moved quickly to consider the options to continue to deliver a 2017 event.

“By making this financial commitment, it will allow us to work immediately to formally register a date for the event and open runner registration for a 2017 Coventry Half Marathon .

“In securing the event next year, we hope runners, local businesses, sponsors and charities, can now plan for the event and we look forward to Coventry hosting yet another successful event for all the community.”

The Coventry Half Marathon draws thousands of runners from across the country and raises tens of thousands of pounds for good causes.

Last year, a record breaking number of runners crossed the start line of the 13.1 mile course.

An estimated 4,000 people ran the race in February to raise money for a number of local and national charities and good causes.

People can register their initial interest in the 2017 event at www.coventryhalf.com

How can it be "saved" when they haven't even discussed it yet?

[rebbonk]

I find this very offensive. There are far more worthy things that need supporting. - I thought our council had no money?