We will be bringing the wider running community together for an amazing opportunity to compete on one of the UK's historic and, in times gone by, most controversial sites - Greenham Common. A site that played a huge part during the Cold War.

We are making this a sustainable event as far as possible so our medals and trophies will be made from wood.

Welcome to the Greenham Common

Half Marathon and 10k event taking place in 2024.

We are supporting the charity New Life Special Care Babies which is a registered charity dedicated to raising money for special care baby units across the UK. The charity funds specialist lifesaving equipment, some of which is not available on the NHS, giving premature and very sick babies the very best start in life.

The Charity was launched by CEO and Founder, Trevor Goodall in 1995 in memory of his sons Joshua and Samuel who were born 3 months early weighing just 1lb 1oz and 1lb 3oz. Sadly, they both died after a week, but their struggle inspired Trevor to do something and to make a difference.

Get your Running Shoes on for Special Care Babies

DATE

SUNDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2024

START

Due to high demand:

0900 (10k) 0910 (half)

LOCATION

Starting from:

THE GREENHAM COMMON CONTROL TOWER,
GREENHAM COMMON,

NEWBURY RG19 8BZ

Both the Half Marathon and 10k routes are fantastic for runners and spectators.

The routes follow the original footprint of the Greenham Common Runways and associated areas which are mainly gravel paths or grass underfoot.

Runners will pass the Control Tower, Fireplane and bunkers which once stored nuclear missiles during the Cold War. Now public parkland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Greenham Common Airfield has been used as a filming location for films including Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, as well as Fast and Furious.

10k Route

Half Marathon Route

There will be a number of ‘viewing areas’ along the route so bring your family, friends and dogs too.

Spectators will be able to see the runners in the half marathon twice as they complete two laps.

There will be refreshments available but the Control Tower Café is also open for refreshments and hot and cold snacks with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. Dogs are also extremely welcome here.

Make sure you come with your whistles and loud cheering voices. The runners will want all the support they can get.

By car: Greenham Common is situated on the south side of Newbury and is easily accessible by road from the M4 (J13), the A34, A4 and M3.

By train: Direct Great Western services run from London Paddington and Reading, as well as other towns to the west of Newbury.

Parking: There is ample parking at the Control Tower par Park including a number of disabled spots.

Other car parks:

Pyle Hill - car park can be found on the west side of the common.

Old Thornford Road - can be found on the east side of the common.

Greenham Business park ( Follow signs) can be found on the south side of the common.

Please allow for at least a 15-20 mins jog to get to the control tower start line.

We are supporting the charity New Life Special Care Babies which is a registered charity dedicated to raising money for special care baby units across the UK. The charity funds specialist lifesaving equipment, some of which is not available on the NHS, giving premature and very sick babies the very best start in life.

The Charity was launched by CEO and Founder, Trevor Goodall in 1995 in memory of his sons Joshua and Samuel who were born 3 months early weighing just 1lb 1oz and 1lb 3oz. Sadly, they both died after a week, but their struggle inspired Trevor to do something and to make a difference.

Get your Running Shoes on for Special Care Babies

SPLASH THE PURPLE: RUNNING FOR PREMATURE BABIES

Can you pledge to raise or donate £50 in addition to your entry fee?

Donate £50 and you will receive a New Life running t-shirt before the event.

Join other runners in creating the biggest splash of purple Greenham Common has ever seen.

How will the money be spent?

Funds will help us purchase a state-of-the-art infant incubator for The Buscot Unit at The Royal Berks Hospital.

The ventilator is designed to cater to the unique developmental requirements of very critically ill and premature babies, enabling ventilation at the earliest possible stage.

The outcome for many babies would be very different without this equipment.

Donate