Runners pound pavements in Wokingham Half Marathon

More than £100,000 is raised each year by people taking part in the event, say the organisers

Thousands of runners have taken to the streets for an annual half marathon in Berkshire.

About 3,500 competitors, including elite runners, began running the Wokingham Half Marathon at 10:00 GMT.

Starting and finishing at Cantley Park, the race takes participants through the town centre, although a contingency route has been put in place this year due to flooding.

Organisers said the event raises more than £100,000 for charity each year.

Competitors run 13.1 miles (21km) through the streets of Wokingham

The race, which first launched in 1984, has been used previously for international trials and local championships.

In 2023, a world record was set by Christine Kennedy for the W65 category (women aged between 65 and 70) and more than 550 runners completed the event in under 90 minutes.

Entrants to the Wokingham Children's Mini-Mile, which was introduced in 2020, and gives young people a chance to be involved and get a medal of their own, set off from the starting line at 10:15.

Road closures were in place for the event but were expected to be lifted by 14:00.

The event attracts elite and club runners

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.