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SPORT
december 2023
www.mybracknell.co.uk
Wokingham Half Marathon now The David Cliff Wokingham Half Marathon R acesolutions Limited owner/organiser of the Wokingham Half Marathon announced a new partnership with David Cliff Estate Agents. David Cliff have extended their existing sponsorship of the Wokingham Half Marathon and as a result of their ongoing and future commitment to the race it will be renamed ‘The David Cliff Wokingham Half Marathon’. The date for next year’s event is February 25th, 2024. Chris Sumner, race director said: “We are delighted to unveil a significant development for the Wokingham Half Marathon: the renaming to ‘The David Cliff Wokingham Half Marathon’. “Our collaboration goes beyond the name. It’s a testament to our shared commitment to organising an event that not only excites and challenges participants but also significantly contributes to the local community. The David Cliff Wokingham Half Marathon is not just a race; it’s a platform to showcase the best of Wokingham and support local charities and good causes.” And David Cliff, Managing Director at David Cliff Estate Agents said: “As someone who’s spent my entire life in Wokingham, from my schooling at Emmbrook andForest to now running a local business, I am incredibly proud to have to have Wokingham’s cherished half-marathon renamed The Da-
vid Cliff Half Marathon. This event is more than just arace; it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit, resilience, and dedication to supporting each other.” Wokingham Half Marathon was founded in 1984 and is regarded as one of the fastest half marathons in the country. The course records are held by Phil Wicks who ran in 1:03:14 in 2012 and Liz Yelling who ran in 1:11:09 in 2008. In 2023 a world best was set in the V65 Female category by Christine Kennedy (USA) who ran 1:32:43. Racesolutions Limited acquired Wokingham Half Marathon in 2019. In common with many running events the race was facing increasing costs and logistical challenges as well as
falling numbers due to an increasingly commercial and aggressive mass participation event market Racesolutions worked with the original committee to ensure charity donations were Maintained while at the same time increasing participation and using our experience to overcome the logistical issues they were facing. The race now sells out each year attracting a capacity 3,500 runners. Founded in 2013 by Chris Sumner, Racesolutions Limited is a running event consultancy company responsible for building some of the largest and most successful road races in the country including Reading Half Marathon, Nottingham Marathon, Oxford Half Marathon and the Great Eastern Run in Peterborough.
Racesolutions Limited offer running event consultancy, planning services and logistics support to event organisers, local authorities and charities. For more information, visit www. wokinghamhalfmarathon.com or www. racesolutions.uk Founded in 2009 by David Cliff, David Cliff Estate Agents offers specialised services in buying, selling, letting, and renting properties across Wokingham, Binfield, Mortimer,and Bracknell. Known for personalised service and integrity, they’re exclusive Berkshire members of The Guild of Property Professionals and offer a unique Noir service for distinctive properties. David Cliff is wellknown for being a leader in its generous and unwavering support of community and charity events, the business is considered an established part of the communities that it operates in and is set to stay that way for many years to come. For more information, visit www.davidcliff.com
Beth Lucey’s 24-Hour Fitness Challenge for Parkinson’s UK
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n an incredible display of endurance, Beth Lucey recently completed a 24-hour workout at Energie Fitness in Wokingham to support Parkinson’s UK. This challenging endeavor, which extended to 25 hours due to the daylight saving time change, was aimed at raising funds for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Known as a ‘fitness warrior’, Beth undertook this rigorous challenge with minimal breaks, only pausing for essential bathroom breaks. Her remarkable effort was supported by the presence of family and friends who joined her intermittently, providing moral support and helping her maintain her stamina throughout the event. Beth’s perseverance was not only inspiring but also impactful. She successfully raised over £1000 for Parkinson’s UK, demonstrating the power of individual efforts in contributing to a greater cause. Her achievement is a testament to the idea that with determination and a noble cause, one can make a significant difference.
Her 24-hour workout marathon at Energie Fitness Wokingham is a powerful example of how human spirit and resilience can bring about change and positively impact the lives of others. Beth Lucey’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with sheer grit and determination, we can overcome challenges and support those in need.
