Attention, runners: Here’s how to snag a free half-marathon spot

Founders Matt Wood and Ben Green are keen to share their love of running and inspire others to experience the physical, mental and social benefits of the sport.

Head of partnerships for RunThrough, Luc Walker, echoes this sentiment, saying: “It doesn’t matter if you don’t have any running experience. It’s an opportunity to be involved in a unique community where there’s no judgment, only respect for giving it a go.”

The RunThrough name is well known in running circles as a company that puts on fun, friendly, inclusive events.

Now in their tenth year, they’ve launched the RunThrough Foundation to deliver free running events and remove the financial barriers to the sport (some half marathon races can cost more than £40), so that more people can have access to races and get involved with running.

Warrington, Cheshire was chosen to host the first event as it’s Green’s home town and he wanted to give something back to his community. However, the Cheshire town does have a rich history in running and many events have had their finish line near the golden gates in front of the town hall.

The event will have all the traditional race day activities, with an event village, medal at the finish line and some extra goodies.

Walker says: “It’s going to be an unforgettable experience and the atmosphere will be sensational. There will be lots of spectators and support along the way. Anyone who’s not yet got the running bug will catch it at this event.”

A minimum of 6,000 ballot entries are available across the different race categories. Entrants can choose from a 5k (3.1 miles), 10k (6.2 miles), or a half-marathon (13.1 miles). The junior race is open to children under 11 years old, and covers a distance of 1km (0.6 miles).

In a bid to involve the Warrington community, organisers have reserved 1,200 of the total spots available for local runners.

Entrants will be contacted via email if they are successful, with the next wave set to be chosen on May 30. If you’re unsuccessful in that one, your entry will roll over into the next wave, which will be picked on July 31.

Interested? Enter the ballot now to be involved in this historic running event. As Walker says: “We’re hoping it will have a positive impact on people’s lives, to give them the confidence to do something different for free.”