Monks aiming for terrific treble in sold-out Gosport Half Marathon race

BACK for its 31st year, entries for the Gosport Half Marathon have once again sold out.
Ellie Monks. Picture: David BrawnEllie Monks. Picture: David Brawn
Ellie Monks. Picture: David Brawn

This year, 2,000 runners are expected to tackle the 13.1 mile course.

High turnout is anticipated from clubs across the south for the race on Sunday, November 20.

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Portsmouth Joggers have 78 members signed up, while Lordshill Road Runners will be represented by 71 participants. Stubbington Green Runners have 58 athletes competing, and Fareham Crusaders have 66 runners entered.

Athletes from further afield will also be competing in the popular race, including Rob Bailey, of Great Yarmouth Road Runners, who will travel over 230 miles to participate.

Runners who are unable to participate have until 10pm on Sunday, November 14 to transfer their race entry to another runner.

Ellie Monks will be looking to continue her fine form this season with a third win.

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The Southampton AC runner has already won the senior female categories in both the Overton 5 and Solent Half Marathon events this season.

These results means she is top of the 2016/2017 Hampshire Road Race League (HRRL) standings after two races.

Monks will be hoping to beat her time of 01hr 21min 57sec set in the Solent Half Marathon.

In the senior men’s race, Denmead Striders’ Julian Manning will be looking to build on an impressive win in the Solent Half Marathon – finishing in 01.14.49 – with another victory.

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In 2015, Joe Corbett of Chichester Runners & AC won the Gosport half in a time of 1.11.09.

The winning lady was Farnham Runners’ Sarah Hill, who completed the course in 1.20.29.

With neither returning for this year’s race, there is an opportunity for a new Gosport Half winner to be crowned.

During the main race, a 1.2k fun run will take place for children under 12.

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Entry costs £2, with payment and registration made on the day of the race.

The Gosport Half Marathon will be followed by the Hayling 10 Mile race on Sunday, November 27, which has also now reached capacity.

Entries are still being accepted for the Victory 5 on Sunday, December 4, which will be the final HRRL event of 2016, with another seven scheduled for 2017.