This month sees the return of one of Nottingham’s flagship athletics events, as the Robin Hood Marathon takes place on Sunday 25 September.
After having its 40th anniversary edition on a smaller scale in 2021, the race will take place on a new route that includes parts of Maid Marian Way and the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus.
But what is the race’s history, and why is there no actual marathon this year? Let us tell you all…
The Nottingham Marathon, or ‘Robin Hood’ Marathon as it would become known, began in 1981 as a half-marathon event.
Such was its success that it returned the next year with a separate marathon race added, which continued to be the case until 2018.
That year, it was decided that it was unviable to continue with the full 26.2-mile race as the course wasn’t up to the standard required for elite runners.
As such, all three race days since have involved just the half-marathon and a mini-marathon, for all ages, of 1.5 miles.
The decision hasn’t been without its controversy, but after years of complications with increased traffic around the city, it has been reluctantly accepted by most competitors and fans.
Besides, the half-marathon route still shows off all the best parts of the city.
Starting and finishing on Victoria Embankment, the race takes in the city centre along Carrington Street and Maid Marian Way, winds through The Park Estate, wiggles through Jubilee Campus and goes all the way around Wollaton Park before heading back.
The return takes in Lenton Boulevard and Castle Boulevard, providing the perfect balance of Nottingham Trent University and University of Nottingham student territories.
Road closures are in place along several parts of the route, making it an ideal spectator event for residents on the last Sunday before university terms restart.
Beyond spectating, organisers will also hope that fans donate to the various charities that runners pair with on the day.
The event’s headline charity is Cancer Research UK, while there are nine other great causes partnered with the run.
Local charities on the list include the Notts County Foundation, The Children’s Bereavement Centre, the Nottingham Hospitals Charity, Imara, Footprints and When You Wish Upon A Star.
The others are national charities ABF The Soldiers Charity, Maggie’s and the Stroke Association, which each have local bases.
Over the last decade, the Marathon has helped raise more than £3 million for various charity partners.
With around 10,000 participants expected in the race this year and many to be running in support of these charities, the hope is for a weekend full of even more fundraising.
Let’s hope the weather holds, and if you’re free next weekend, get out along the route and support the runners!
Lead Image: Adam Eaton