Our guide to the Cambridge Festival of Running 2021: Route map, road closures and more for Town and Gown 10k and Cambridge Half
The Cambridge Festival of Running takes place this weekend, and will comprise the Town and Gown 10k and the Junior 3k on Saturday (October 16) and the Cambridge Half Marathon on Sunday (October 17).
As in previous years, both events will start and finish on Victoria Avenue with Midsummer Common acting as the ‘event village’.
Here is our guide to the events.
Road closures
Road closures on both days will come into force between 7.30am and 8am and remain in place until 12pm – with the exception of Victoria Avenue which will be closed from 7am.
The following roads will be closed: Bridge Street, Chesterton Road, Footpath 11 (to Stourbridge Common), Jesus Lane, King’s Parade, Magdalene Street, Maids Causeway, Newmarket Road, Northampton Street, Park Parade, Queen’s Road, Riverside, Silver Street, Trinity Street, Victoria Avenue and Walnut Tree Avenue.
You can find out more about road closures and diversions here.
The Town and Gown
More than 1,200 runners have already signed up for this year’s Cambridge Town and Gown 10k race, organised for the last 10 years by Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK).
MDUK race director Jessie Keighley said: “Cambridge Town and Gown is the autumn run of our 10k series which includes a 10k in Oxford.
“The 2021 event will be the 10th edition and this year MDUK is to join forces with the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon for the first time, to create The Cambridge Festival of Running.
Jessie added: “Our scenic 10k route takes people through the heart of Cambridge passing many landmarks, historic university college buildings and along the River Cam.
“You’ll find beginners taking on their first 10k race, and more experienced runners, hoping to beat their personal bests. So whether it’s your first 10k or you’re a seasoned pro – this is the perfect event for you!”
The charity said: “All of our 10k runs our licensed by Run Britain and we're proud to be the recipient of a bronze award for the Best 10k in East England by The Running Awards 2019 and 2020.”
There will also be a junior 3k event, starting before the 10k.
Route map
Find out more
https://race-nation.co.uk/register/town-and-gown-events/cambridge-town-and-gown-1.
Timings:
- 8.45am: The Junior 3k starts
- 9.30am: The 10k starts
Entry:
- Online entries are closed, but limited entry will be available on the day for £35 from 8am at the registration marquee in Midsummer Common.
The Cambridge Half
All places for the 10th edition of this half-marathon, organised by OSB Events, have been sold.
The TTP-sponsored run, which will take in King’s College and Jesus College, features Cancer Research UK as its headline charity, with Alzheimer’s Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and Charlie Waller Trust as national charity partners.
Twenty runners are due to raise money for the Charlie Waller Trust, which benefited by £48,000 last time. The trust was set up in 1997 in response to the tragic loss of Charlie to suicide at the age of 28.
Charlie’s brothers Rick and Phil and Charlie’s niece Imi Waller are running this year.
Cambridge graduate Rick, the charity’s chair of trustees, said: “Cambridge holds a very special place in my heart and I can’t think of a better and more inspiring setting to run a half marathon.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we get from the whole Cambridge community in this fantastic event which has become a really important fundraiser for the Charlie Waller Trust.”
Clare Stafford, CEO of the Charlie Waller Trust, said: “The Cambridge Half Marathon has become an important feature in our fundraising calendar and we want to thank everyone who is running for Charlie Waller this year. The money raised will help our ongoing work to support children and young people who may be struggling with their mental health which is especially vital in these uncertain times and with the unprecedented impact of the pandemic.”
Local charities set to benefit include Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre, Tom’s Trust, Power2Inspire and CPSL Mind.
Covid guide
Read the event Covid safety guide here.
Route maps
Above is an interactive version of the route map. Or you can see it at a glance here:
There is also a map of the event village:
Find out more
https://cambridgehalfmarathon.com/
Timings:
Approximate start times and race numbers have been emailed directly to those taking part.
Don't miss our coverage
Our photographer will be at both events. The Cambridge Independent will feature souvenir picture specials from both the Town and Gown 10k and Cambridge Half in our edition out from Wednesday, October 20.
See our photo galleries from the events back to 2017
45 pictures and top 50 runners from 2019 Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon
101 pictures from Cambridge Half Marathon 2017
Gallery: 2019 Newton Town and Gown 10k
40 pictures from the Cambridge Town and Gown 10k 2018
Read more
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