Greenham Common in Newbury, Berkshire is set to host its first-ever Half Marathon and 10K event on Sunday, February 25, 2024. The event, originally planned for 2022 to commemorate 30 years since RAF Greenham Common’s closure, was delayed due to the pandemic.
Mark Hayes, Event Organiser and Greenham Common Half Marathon Committee member, said: “The common’s historical sites make it an exceptional location for running, and we hope to unite the running community, volunteers, and spectators while raising substantial funds for premature babies.”
The event will support New Life Special Care Babies, a Berkshire-based charity founded by Trevor Goodall after the tragic loss of his twin boys in 1995. The charity raises funds to acquire vital lifesaving equipment for neonatal units across the UK. Trevor Goodall said: “Our mission is to give premature and very sick babies the best start in life. Over the years, we’ve raised £1.5 million, benefiting more than 20 neonatal units and impacting the lives of over 1,000 premature babies.”
Participants have the opportunity to contribute to the ‘Splash the Purple’ campaign by pledging additional amounts to New Life Special Care Babies. In return, they receive a distinctive New Life running t-shirt. Funds raised through entry fees, sponsorships, and pledges will fund neonatal equipment, including Cold Lights for the Buscott Unit at The Royal Berkshire Hospital. Race medals are generously sponsored by Bloor Homes, a family-run housebuilder.
The meticulously designed routes of the Greenham Common Half Marathon and 10K event will showcase iconic landmarks like The Fire Plane, the huge bunkers that once housed nuclear missiles, and The Control Tower, now transformed into a visitor centre and café.
Organisers of the Greenham Common Half Marathon and 10K event are excited for the event’s inaugural take-off, with approximately 250 runners from the South anticipated to participate. The event aims to raise funds for New Life Special Care Babies, a Berkshire-based charity that supports neonatal units across the UK. Further information on participating, sponsoring and volunteering can be found at https://www.greenhamcommonhalfmarathon.com/.
On Sunday, February 25, 2024, Greenham Common in Newbury, Berkshire will make history as it hosts its first-ever Half Marathon and 10K event. Set to unite the running community, volunteers, and spectators, the event will showcase iconic landmarks while raising substantial funds for premature babies.
