Thousands take to the streets for half marathon

About 7,500 runners are taking part in the Reading half marathon, according to the organisers.

18-year-old Team GB Biathle champion Carys Westcott officially started the Green Park Challenge fun run at 08:30 GMT, ahead of the main race.

Road closures were put in place along the route from 07:00 and will be lifted later in the day.

The 13.1-mile (21km) race route takes runners through Whitley, the centre of Reading and the university campus, before finishing at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Matt Wise has previously run two half marathons and took part in the Green Park Challenge with his daughter Lyla, who said she had been training "hard" and wanted to complete the race in 20 minutes.

"I have done cross country a few times and I'm part of a running club at school," she told the BBC.

Mr Wise said: "It's really good conditions today for running.

"Towards the end, you get a second wind when running the half marathon and the crowds of people cheering you on at the end definitely helps."

Berkshire Healthcare Charity, which supports community mental health teams, has 15 people running in the half marathon to raise funds.

Fundraising manager Jo Ramsey said: "One of our runners, Karen Jacobs, is running today and will be running the London half marathon for us so this is a practice run for her.

"Hopefully, this will be a walk in the park."

Sir John Madejski, at the half marathon start line to set the runners off, said it was "fantastic" to be back again and "kicking things off".

He said: "It is a wonderful day for it, just perfect conditions, not too hot, not too cold, no wind or rain, just absolutely perfect.

"I think everyone gets a thrill out of running the Reading half marathon, especially at the end when they come into the stadium with all the applause.

"It's just fantastic, I think it's one of the best half marathons in the country due to that brilliant finishing line."

The best thing about the race, he said, was that it "gets everybody outside into the fresh air, motivated and they get this feel good factor".

Vicky Maunder from Reading charity Daisy's Dream has a stand near the finish line which she said was "full of lots of bananas, water and a good bags for when our runners come in".

The charity provides support for children and young people who have been affected by bereavement.

Ms Maunder said: "It is our first year partnering with Reading half marathon and really exciting.

"This year, we have more than 20 runners, so it's amazing for us."

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