The Robin Hood Half Marathon course has been changed To make it an easier course

The notorious hilly start to the Ikano Bank Robin Hood Half Marathon has been eased this year after organizers listened to feedback from runners.

The 13.1-mile race, which is part of the wider Robin Hood Marathon Events weekend, is mostly flat but had a much-feared hilly section which zig-zagged through The Park Estate before heading down Derby Road.

The start has traditionally happened on the Victoria Embankment but it has been moved further back towards the race village, on The Meadows Recreation Ground, to allow for a more downhill start, and less time spent running through the hilly Park Estate.

Organisers Goldline Events said it has listened to runners and although feedback was mostly positive, the "twisty inclines" in the Park Estate at mile two were "far from a favorite".

The company said late last year the hilly inclines in The Park Estate would be taken out to ease the strain on runners, and confirmed the start would be moved back to inside the Race Village.

Now in it's 39th year the race, which takes place on September 29, will still take in the iconic sights such as Nottingham Castle and Wollaton Hall.

Race director Judith Manson, said: "2019’s race weekend is set to be bigger and better than ever before. We cannot wait to welcome thousands of runners, families and friends to Victoria Embankment.

"Runners can look forward to their new start line by the Race Village and an enjoyable downhill section around the early miles.

"The course is renowned for its huge spectator support and picturesque highlights so you're in for a treat.

"It really is one of the city’s most treasured events of the year and there’s still time to get involved - sign up now and join us for a wonderful weekend.”

Originally, the route turned right off Lenton Road onto Huntingdon Drive, up to Clare Valley, and then along and left down Tattershall Drive to rejoin Lenton Road.

The twisty part will now be removed and runners will remain on Lenton Road for longer before tackling the hill up through the estate and onto Derby Road.

posted Wednesday August 28th
by Jon Pritchard