Cirencester half marathon: what you need to know

The race will start and finish in the Market Place by the St John Baptist Church

Hundreds of runners will take to the streets of Cirencester this weekend in a brand-new half marathon event.

Locals are encouraged to come along to watch the sold-out event on Sunday with the start and finish line will be on Market Place.

Multiple roads in the town will be closed on the day from 08:00 GMT until the last runners finish around lunchtime.

What's the route?

Spectators are encouraged to watch the race in Bathurst Estate or the finish line in Market Place

The fastest athletes will begin the event in the white pen, followed by the pink pen and then the orange for the slowest runners.

Runners will take a route through the town centre before heading out of town past the village of Stratton. Next, runners will pass Daglingworth before skirting the top of Cirencester Park before heading back into town.

The final stop will see runners will cross the finish line back in the Market Place.

An interactive map is available here.

What's the timeline on the day?

The event village will open for runners to register from 07:00, before the roads close at 08:00.

The starting gun will go off at 09:00, with the male winner expected at about 10:05, followed by the quickest woman at about 10:30.

The winners' presentation will then take place at 10:45, before spectators can watch the rest of runners cross the finish line until 13:00.

One hundred free pints of beer will be on offer with a finisher's medal at the Hop Kettler tap room.

Which roads will be closed?

Market Place will be closed from 17:00 on Saturday before the event.

Lots of other roads in Cirencester will close the morning of the race from 08:00, including Beeches Road, London Road, Victoria Road, Dyer Street, Castle Street, Lewis Lane, Querns Lane.

Other closures will affect Sheep Street, Park Lane, Part Street, Thomas Street, Dollar Street, Gloucester Street and a long stretch of Gloucester Road.

A number of roads in Daglingworth will also be closed, including Gloucester Road, The Street, Maces Hill and Overley Road.

The event is due to finish at 13:00, but some roads may re-open earlier once the final runners have passed through.

What about parking?

Residents are encouraged to walk or cycle to the start line where possible.

Parking is strictly prohibited on Beeches Road, Victoria Road and Market Place, with organisers warning that vehicles in these restricted areas may be towed.

There will be free parking organised by the event at Cirencester College, with additional spaces available at Bathurst Estate and St James's Place, next to the Leisure Centre.

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