PRESS RELEASE: 02 December 2015 CHARITIES CAN RAISE VITAL FUNDS THROUGH VITALITY READING HALF MARATHON 2016 The Vitality Reading Half Marathon returns on Sunday 3rd April 2016 and Race Organisers are calling charities to consider driving awareness of their charity through the well-established sporting event. One of the largest half marathons in the UK, the event had almost 20,000 registered runners in 2015 - providing the perfect platform to showcase an organisation and raise vital funds. Race charity packages differ in their offering with the option of gold, silver or bronze. Fundamental advantages of all packages include the chance to develop new relationships with key stakeholders, the opportunity to engage with participants before, during and after the event and charity runner places with a dedicated wave within the start zone. Packages are selling out fast with Babies in Buscot Support, Make A Wish and Blue Skye Thinking confirmed as partner charities, plus Berkshire MS Therapy Centre and Support U as local charities. Judith Manson, Race Director of the Vitality Reading Half Marathon, comments: “The 2016 race is set to be a brilliant event for every type of runner, be it seasoned runners looking to set personal best race times, those training for the London Marathon, or newcomers to the running community. It promises to be another great year and with national charities on board the race will not only increase awareness, it will also provide the opportunity for runners to raise vital funds for these organisations.” This year marks the 33rd Reading Half Marathon and the world renowned course will lead runners from Green Park, through the beautiful grounds of The University of Reading and to a momentous finish inside Reading Football Club’s Madejski Stadium. To find out more about the national charity package, please email events@sweatshop.co.uk with your charity’s details and goals for the event. For more event information visit: www.readinghalfmarathon.com. ~ENDS~ PRESS ENQUIRIES Catherine Russ Promote PR 01628 507 662 catherine.russ@promotepr.com Editor’s notes: Vitality Reading Half Marathon, 22 March 2015: In 2015, 68 athletes completed the race in under 71 minutes. Male 2015 winner: Amos Kiplagat Female 2015 winner: Lily Partridge Race organiser, Sweatshop: The UK’s largest specialist running retailer with shops nationwide. Sweatshop was founded by Olympic Champion Chris Brasher in 1971, with the aim to give every runner, from absolute beginner to international athlete, access to the very best equipment, supported by free gait analysis, sports bra fitting service and much more. Sweatshop’s first responsibility is to the runner and their mission is to help you Be The Best You Can Be. Sweatshop has been voted the ‘Best Retailer’ by readers of Runner’s World for eight years in succession including 2014. On top of this the store has been recognised in the 2014 Running Awards as the Best eTailer and Best Large Retailer. Sweatshop staff are committed to providing outstanding customer service and to support this Sweatshop provides an extensive professional development training programme for all their staff including biomechanics, customer service, breast health and sports bra fitting.` For more information visit www.sweatshop.co.uk Sweatshop staff are committed to providing outstanding customer service and to support this Sweatshop provides an extensive professional development training programme for all their staff including biomechanics, customer service, breast health and sports bra fitting. 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