Cheshire to host historic half-marathons for women

Oulton Park in Cheshire has been chosen to become part of a unique sporting series that is set to make history in Britain.

Organised by the Devon-founded Women’s Running Network, “The Better Half” is the first ever women-only half marathons in the country. After last month’s successful opening round in Castle Combe in Wiltshire, the series will move on to Oulton Park on July 11. Pippingford Park in East Sussex will stage the final race on September 19.

The 13.1-mile-run will raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign and Ovarian Cancer Action, two cancer charities that have great significances to the Network’s founders – Pauline Beare and Peg Wiseman.

“This past year has been difficult for us,” said Pauline. “I lost my best friend Christine, 59, who was also my daughter’s godmother, to ovarian cancer just a year after diagnosis.”

Peg continued: “My mum (diagnosed at 80) was the last in a long line of breast cancer sufferers in my family, starting with my paternal grandmother followed by my sister’s death at the age of 55. My sister’s death could have been at age 40, so to me the importance is that my mother’s recovery (and thankfully she has a good prognosis), my other sister’s recovery and the extra years that Beth had were all due to the research and the progress that comes from supporting these charities. So it is vital that we do this.”

Many years ago, the idea of a women-only half marathon started as a dream for Pauline and Peg. This year, they are turning it into reality.

“We’ve had this idea for a few years,” Pauline explained. “We’ve been involved in the Race for Life since the beginning in helping and encouraging women get involved in it. But women naturally progress and there are a lot of women that want that challenge of doing something different. There isn’t a women’s only half marathon in this country, so the Women’s Running Network is just a natural partner to bring that about and make that happen.”

The prospect of running 13.1 miles may be a little daunting, but Peg stressed anyone can do it. “This series is perfect for the novice runner. There’s a relay alongside the half marathon to encourage all women to participate and support this unique event”.

The Cheshire circuit was selected for its inspiring surroundings. The traffic-free course will be made up of three laps over a mixture of smooth tarmac roads, paths and tracks through the stunning parkland. Oulton Park also provides some challenging undulations on its race circuit.

It is hoped that the Better Half events will become a regular part of the running calendar, and, if the success of the Women’s Running Network is anything to go by, thousands of women will be inspired to lace up their running shoes and take part. All the money raised will be split evenly between the two charities.

Breast Cancer Campaign supports many research projects that have contributed to improving survival rate for the most common cancer in the UK. Around 80 per cent of women diagnosed today will be alive in five years’ time.

Ovarian cancer action is dedicated to improving women’s chances of surviving ovarian cancer by raising awareness of the disease and its symptoms. Less than 40 per cent of women diagnosed with the disease will live within five years – a statistic that has not significantly improved in the UK for twenty years.

You can find out how to take part and raise money at www.womensrunningnetwork.co.uk.