Get set for Exeter's Great West Run

With just a few days until Exeter’s Great West Run, sponsored by Tozers, the 4,000 runners signed up for this year’s event are sure to be feeling a mix of nerves, anticipation and above all, excitement ahead of their half marathon challenge on Sunday 18th October!

The race will be started by four-time Olympian, European 10,000 metre champion, and local hero, Jo Pavey, at 9am on Sidwell Street.

This is also the perfect city centre location to grab a great spot and soak up all the excitement that comes with race day. There is always plenty of room in the city to get a good view of the start of the race and the finishing straight when your heroic runners return!

Jamie Warren, Head of Marketing and Commercial at GO2, said: “This year’s event has proven to be incredibly popular with over 4,000 entries, so we have more runners than last year who need your support! We are encouraging everyone to take to their doorsteps, as spectators play a big role in creating the race day atmosphere!

“Picking out a runner's name on their t-shirt gives a much-needed boost when the legs are starting to tire, and the cheers that you hear when heading to the finish line helps to find a little extra energy that you didn't know was there. From elite runners, right through to all those fantastic fundraisers who have taken on the challenge to do something amazing for a good cause, everyone feeds off the support of the spectators. It really makes a massive difference to everyone taking part!”

The annual event always plays host to a number of charity and fun-runners, and this year is no different. Claire Cockbain, a local Exeter woman, will be running Exeter’s Great West Run alongside seven of her family members in memory of her courageous brother, Gary, who suddenly passed away from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome.

Running alongside Claire in this year’s Exeter’s Great West Run will be her partner, Darren, as well as her sister, Joanne, and her partner, Andrew, their daughters, Emily and Freya, and Gary’s daughters, Rebecca and Katie.

Graham Hopkins, 60, from Exeter, ran his first ever Exeter’s Great West Run when it was first hosted in 1985 and has completed it every year since, with 2015 set to be his 31st! Graham said: “I’m not exactly sure why I keep running them, but it’s a great way of keeping fit. I am 60 years old now, but hopefully there are still another five Great West Runs left in me!”

You can follow all the excitement around the preparation leading up to race day on Exeter’s Great West Run’s Facebook page and Twitter @GreatWestRun. Organisers will also be providing updates throughout the race and after. All other information, including traffic and travel guidance to help you plan your day, can be found on www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk.