Weekender: Thousands expected at city running festival

More than 5,000 runners are getting set for the Asda Foundation Hull Running Festival this weekend.

The festival on Sunday will feature both the Asda Foundation Hull 10K, now in its ninth year, and the brand new Asda Foundation Hull Half Marathon.

The new Asda Foundation Hull Half Marathon will provide runners a chance to enjoy a half marathon in Hull’s atmospheric city centre.

Similar to the Hull 10K, the new half marathon will feature a city centre start and finish and a largely flat course offering PB potential.

Both the routes will start and finish in Alfred Gelder Street and take in a number of Hull’s cultural and historic landmarks including Holy Trinity Church and Hull City Hall.

Since the launch of the Hull 10K in 2010, the run has grown into one of the region’s most popular races attracting thousands of runners and raising huge sums of money for charitable causes.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, head of events at Run For All, said: “Whether people have opted for the 10K or the half marathon, it promises to be a great day for runners of all abilities.

“We already organise two events on one day – the Yorkshire Marathon and the Yorkshire 10 Mile which take place in October – and it has proved very successful. We are confident that the Hull Running Festival will be equally successful and a very enjoyable occasion.”

Many Rivett, co-ordinator at the Asda Foundation, headline supporter of all Run For All events, said: “We are very excited for the runners of our Asda Foundation Series to experience a Festival of Running. We think it will offer runners of all abilities a great opportunity to experience the special atmosphere of a Run For All event whilst being able to enjoy some of Hull’s many landmarks.
“We are very excited for our runners. Whether they are looking for a PB, to hit a fundraising milestone or just to get round the course; we would like to wish everyone the best of luck.”

Jane Tomlinson Appeal fundraising and events assistant Jenny Sellers said: “We’re really excited to be a part of the new Hull Running Festival. With the addition of a half marathon to the already really popular 10K, it’s going to be a great day.”

Runners will also be able to add a team challenge aspect to the runs with the MKM Corporate Challenge. Workplaces across the region will be able to enter teams of five people or more to compete for success in either event.

Entries for the Asda Foundation Hull Half Marathon, Asda Foundation Hull 10K and MKM Corporate Challenge are now open.