Running News Daily

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.

A throat cancer survivor is running the Robin Hood Half Marathon along with his doctor

Following a diagnosis of level 4 throat cancer, Michael Bromley had to have a laryngectomy (the removal of his voice box) and a new throat made using a skin graft from his leg.

He was then fitted with a laryngectomy stoma (a small hole in his chest that allows him to breathe). This small hole is connected to his wind pipe meaning the air comes in and out of the hole instead of his nose and mouth. Michael was always a keen runner, even before his cancer diagnosis.

Having a stoma fitted hasn’t stopped his drive for running as he taken part in a 10k run in June and is currently training for the Robin Hood Half Marathon.

He said: “Following my treatment and having the stoma fitted I still wanted to pursue running in my own time, this was a real challenge and took lots of careful training but it all paid off in the end.

“Following my throat cancer treatment and having the stoma in my neck I still wanted to pursue running in my own time, this was a real challenge and took lots of careful training but, hopefully, it will pay off in the end and help be an inspiration for any current and future people that have the same condition”.

“I used fitness and running to help build up my strength and in turn this really helped me through my treatment and with the goals I set myself kept me focused on getting back to a normal as possible life.

“I have signed up to take part in the Robin Hood Half Marathon in September, this was the main objective after the operation, as a joke I asked my consultant Neeraj to run it with me and he agreed, he has now signed up and is really looking forward to it! The run won’t be easy but I’m determined to make it to the finish line and help raise funds for the Head and Neck cancer guys.”

Neeraj Sethi a consultant ENT Surgeon at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) has agreed to take part in the marathon alongside Michael. Mr Sethi said: “Mick is an inspiration. Despite his cancer diagnosis and his treatment he has strived and pushed himself to not only improve his health but to continue his running.

“He’s already completed a 10k now his eyes are set on the Robin Hood half marathon. Mick challenged me to take part and run the marathon with him so I’ve signed up, now all I have to do is try to keep up with Mick!