Route revealed for Exeter's Great West Run 2013

National sports events company GO2 (UK) Ltd today announced the route for Exeter’s Great West Run 2013. This new look half marathon takes a central route through the heart of Exeter on traffic-free roads providing great running conditions and excellent spectator support. 

Exeter’s Great West Run, which is now in its 28th year, takes place on Sunday 13 October 2013. The much anticipated 13.1mile course gives runners an exciting new challenge for the autumn, taking in Exeter City Centre as well as the beautiful country lanes of St Andrews Road and on towards Stoke Woods.

The race, which is on closed roads, will start at 9am on Sidwell Street, and will take runners down the length of the High Street, before turning left into South Street. They will then cross Exe Bridges before turning right into Okehampton Road, where the route opens up to give a flat straight section through Exwick.

Amy Budd, Marketing Manager from GO2 explains: “Getting the route right has been critical to the future success of the Great West Run. We’re delighted to achieve a course that not only shows off Exeter but offers the opportunity for great spectator support.”

Once out of the city centre, runners are treated to the pretty Devon lanes of St Andrews Road and on to Stoke Woods. Having completed the first half of the race they will then climb up towards the University, running along Prince of Wales Road and overlooking the city.

Runners will then follow an out-and-back route along Pinhoe Road to the great support of spectators, back towards the city centre to finally join Blackboy Road to finish back where they began at Sidwell Street.

Amy Budd, GO2 details “The course is as flat as we could make it, with a climb up to the University and a more challenging section along Pinhoe Road, it has been designed to be accessible to all and is set to be a great fitness challenge for the autumn!”

John Harvey, Exeter City Centre Manager said "It's great to see the half marathon returning to the heart of the city. The Great West Run will not only keep people fit and active but will do so much for charity and provides a great reason for the community to come together and support all those taking part."

Cancer Research UK and Children’s Hospice South West are the Official Charity Partners for Exeter’s Great West Run 2013. Runners can request a fundraising pack via the online registration system at www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk

Emma Perry, Community Fundraiser, Children’s Hospice South West said “We are proud to be chosen as the Official Local Charity for Exeter’s Great West Run and look forward to helping all our runners complete their individual goals.

“We are hoping many runners will choose to join team CHSW and run in aid of life-limited children. Their fundraising will make a huge difference to local families who need our help, care and support. On behalf of all the children and families thank you for helping make the most of short and precious lives.”

Gary Bansor, from the Cancer Research UK Sports Team commented “We are delighted to be the Official National Charity for the Great West Run. This fantastic event, with a new city-centre course, is a vital part of our fundraising efforts, and we hope that with the support of Great West Run entrants, we are able to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

“We’d encourage as many people as possible who are taking part in the race to join the Cancer Research UK team. Every step we make towards beating cancer relies on every pound, every hour and every person, so please join our team and help us beat cancer sooner.”

Amy Budd, Marketing Manager from GO2 said “People are running for a variety of reasons; in memory of a loved one, to raise money for the community, to transform their fitness or simply for the love of running. We’re expecting over 3,000 runners to set their challenge, so if you’re thinking about signing up – go for it!”

To register for the half marathon and for a map of the route visit www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk

AFFECTED ROADS
GO2 is working in partnership with Exeter City Council and Devon Highways to provide a safe, traffic-free environment with as little disruption to the city as possible. A number of roads will be fully closed or partially closed during the race, with signposted diversions where necessary.

More information about affected roads and alternative routes for traffic will be made available nearer the race date. www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk/the-run/