THE Festival of Running 2020 is finally hitting the streets of Coventry on Sunday, October 31, with over 4,500 runners are signed up to take on the Half Marathon or 5k routes around the UK’s City of Culture.
The 5k route will see runners take in the historic Council House, Lady Godiva statue, and some of the city’s historic buildings while the Half Marathon will share a similar starting route before heading out into leafy countryside lanes up to the highest point before five miles of downhill to the glorious Cathedral finish.
Runners are expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds for local, national and international charities.
CUSU’s Sport and Wellbeing Officer, Elvis Zeiluks, said: “The Festival of Running is an incredible way to get all of the city involved in celebrating and enjoying fitness.
“I am very proud the festival raises so much money and awareness for local charities and is inclusive for everyone.
“We have some people who have never run before through to elite runners taking part, and a 2.5k wheelchair race too.”
Coun Abdul Salam Khan, cabinet member for events and deputy leader of Coventry City Council, said: “It’s great to see the
Festival of Running return after last year’s postponement due to the pandemic.
“Coventry University Students’ Union are again delivering and leading on this year’s event and with the route and more details being confirmed for the day, I’m sure people will be looking forward to supporting those taking part.
“Good luck to everyone planning to take part and I look forward to seeing thousands of participants at the start line on 31 October.”
The event has been organised by Coventry University Students’ Union in partnership with Coventry City Council and has support from local businesses and charities including Medwell Hyde, Coventry College, Coventry Runner, Exasoft, the Skydome, and BBC C&W.
There is still time to sign up to run in either the 5k or Half Marathon, as entries close at midnight on Wednesday 27th October.
Visit https://www.enjoycoventry.com/festivalofrunning/ for further information on the event, including city centre access, road closures and the route.
