Scenic praise for Vale marathon

Buy photos » Denise James, director of Gusterson, Palmer and James in Evesham which supported last year’s event, organisers Colin and Linzi Lewis-Painter and Tony Haugh, treasurer of Evesham Cardiac Rehab, are pictured before the first Blackminster Half Marathon. Picture by Neville Collins.

A HALF marathon which winds through the Vale countryside has been voted as one of the most scenic in Britain.

More than 18,000 readers of Runners World, the UK's number one running magazine, saluted the best running events of 2012 and voted The Blackminster Half Marathon as the 4th most scenic race of the year.

March's event passes through some of the area's most picturesque villages and countryside including Honeybourne, Ullington, Cleeve Prior and Bickmarsh with 98 per cent of participants saying they would run the race again.

Colin Lewis-Painter, race director, said recognition by the runners made all the hard work and effort needed to organise the event worthwhile.

"The race not only helps to put Evesham and Blackminster on the map but also serves to raise money for local charities and good causes," he added.

"The race would not be possible without the support of Evesham businesses generous support and so special thanks goes to them."

All of the profit from the event is donated to Evesham Cardiac Rehab and Evesham Round Table.

Anyone who wants to take part in this year's race, which takes place on Sunday, March 10, can enter online at www.theblackminsterhalf.co.uk.

Regional news »