Cracknell Brings New Half Marathon To Coastal Town
Double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell has announced his latest project: The Weston-Super-Half.
To be held on Sunday 18th March 2018, the inaugural Weston-Super-Half event will see runners cross the finish line a quarter of a mile out to sea, at the end of The Grand Pier.
Kerry Michael, co-owner of The Grand Pier said: “We are delighted to be working with James Cracknell and the team at RunJoy to deliver what is set to be a spectacular one of a kind event. The pier will be the perfect backdrop for this race and we’re truly excited to be such a key part of it. We’re so proud to be helping Weston-Super-Mare stand out in the crowd once again.”
Setting off from Marine Parade at the Pier’s entrance, the 13.1 mile route will take participants through the historic town before heading out around the Somerset villages and surrounding countryside. The runners will head back along the parade and into the entrance of The Grand Pier.
After retiring from rowing, James Cracknell became an endurance athlete, finishing as the highest ever Brit in the Marathon de Sables in 2010, before he was hit by a truck whilst crossing America for a Discovery Channel TV series.
Cracknell said: “Running is a big part of my life, the physical and emotional benefits of getting out in the fresh air and moving our bodies have been proven time and again. Non-communicable diseases such as Type-2 diabetes are having a huge impact on people across all communities. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help stave off these diseases but it’s easier to train with a goal in mind. With the NHS under so much pressure, RunJoy want to do what we can to help individuals, but also our great country. I started with a blank piece of paper, an inkling that Weston would make the perfect venue and a desire to create a brand new running event. This race will be fantastic. I can’t wait to run it myself!”
The Weston-Super-Half is due to take place on Sunday 18th March 2018 and will be hosted at The Grand Pier.
