Oswestry Half Marathon: New partner needed as organiser pulls out
Oswestry Half Marathon is looking for a new partner after one of the organisers pulled out.
About 1,000 runners took part in the 2017 half marathon, which was hosted by the British Ironwork Centre.
Even more are expected to sign up for the second event next April with more than 500 already registering an interest.
But this week, UK Run Chat told the British Ironwork Centre it was unable to take part in 2018.
The company and race director, Joe Williams, are also behind the Shrewsbury Half Marathon. The news that it has pulled out of the event has come as a blow to the centre chairman, Clive Knowles. He said: “There are hundreds of runners already signed up to take part in the event in April and the special, Peace Medal, for all the finishers, has only the finishing touches to add.”
The medal is a copy of the Knife Angel that was created by sculptor, Archie Bradley, from knives confiscated or surrendered to police forces across the UK.“We need to find another event organiser to help – and quickly.
“The 2017 gorilla marathon was a huge success and we have people from across the region keen to run in 2018.” The event sold our weeks before race day and there was a fantastic turnout of runners and spectators.
“So many people commented on the stunning course, the superb atmosphere and the unique medal which will stand out in any collection.”
The 13.1 mile race took runners through the British Ironwork Centre Sculpture Park before heading out on closed country roads and through Oswestry. It also included a hill challenge half-way through.
After the success of this year’s half marathon talks got underway to see the Ironwork Centre become a regular venue for running with a weekly Park Run around the site.
Local runners have set up a group which already has a race director, committee and volunteers ready to help launch one of the national Park Runs for the area. The nearest Park Runs up to now are in Shrewsbury and Erddig near Wrexham.
The British Ironwork Centre has also joined forces with the Girl Guide Association to starts looking at holding a fun, Colour Run for Nightingale House Hospice next year.
