There will be a slight twist to this year’s Phillips Basingstoke Half Marathon.

Organised by Destination Basingstoke, the 2018 event is set to take place on Sunday 7th October, starting and finishing as usual at War Memorial Park, in the centre of Basingstoke.

Keen ultra-runner, Phillips director Jonathan Pender, who is also a director of Destination Basingstoke, is encouraging runners to sign up for this year’s run, which will see a change in direction affecting the 13.1 mile route from mile two to mile ten in and around Cliddesden, Farleigh Wallop and Ellisfield.

Jonathan said: “We think it’s a great idea to change the direction. It’ll be like a new race and a new challenge.”

“If you ran the race a couple of years ago and don’t like to do the same thing twice, here is an opportunity to give it another try.”

Jonathan added: “It may even be quicker in the opposite direction and there’s a new course record up for grabs. I’m certainly looking forward to the new view.”

Looking forward to the race, he said: “There is such a great feeling of community pride around the race and it is an excellent example of how running can bring people of all ages and abilities together.”

A highlight in the Basingstoke calendar, Phillips has been associated with the half marathon since it was first held in 2011 and has been headline sponsor since 2014.

Jonathan said: “Supporting this event is just one of the ways we like to show our commitment to the local community and what better way is there for raising the positive profile of Basingstoke?”

If you would like to take part in the run as a member of Team Phillips, please contact our marketing manager Richard Garfield by emailing [email protected]

The pictures give a flavour of the 2017 Phillips Basingstoke Half Marathon.