If you missed out on last year’s Run Reigate half marathon – which recently beat the likes of the Great North Run, to win silver in the Best Half Marathon category at the 2015 Running Awards – there’s still time to get involved in both the half marathon AND NEW 10K route, taking place on 20th September, from 9:15am, at Priory Park.
We chatted to Reigate resident and founder of Run Reigate; Dave Kelly to UNcover why he started the community event, his top running tips and how becoming a fanatical runner changed his life!
How did Run Reigate start?
I was a late starter to running and it has changed my life in so many positive ways, helping me lose weight, stop smoking and to become a fitter, healthier and happier person. I thought Reigate had all the right ingredients for a fantastic race of its own, a race that could become one of the best in the country. I really wanted our local community to have a great excuse to go out there and get fit, active and healthy, especially for an event they can proudly call their own.
How did it feel to have so many readers take part in your first ever event, last year?
When you have dreamed about something for so long, seeing it actually happen that day last year was extraordinary. Watching almost 4,000 people cross the start line to Run Reigate was just the most amazing yet surreal moment – right up there in the proudest days of my life!
What do you enjoy most about running?
I love the freedom of being outdoors, especially around Reigate as it is so pretty. It gives me time to think, and I love the weary but great feeling that comes after a long run. However I also really enjoy good food and drink, so it helps me balance life a bit too!
And finally, do you have any top training tips for local runners?
There are endless training tips and plans around, but my mantra is to just run as you feel. It’s a cliché but they say you must listen to your body, so do a long run if you feel like it, or take a break and rest for a few days if you don’t. Running is very personal, and it’s both physical and mental energy working in harmony, so try to do enough to keep healthy and fit, but don’t overdo it!
Come on Reigate, it’s our town, our race, our pride….we can easily be the best in the country! Please get involved on 20th September by running, volunteering, supporting the runners, coming down to Priory Park on race day or just getting behind it and telling everyone you know about it!
Sign up and find out more by visiting: www.runreigate.com.
