In pictures: Reading Half Marathon returns

  • Watch report by ITV Meridian's Mike Pearse

Thousands of runners took to the streets for the Reading Half Marathon which returned today for the first time since before the pandemic.

One participant dressed as a T-Rex
Runners leaving the start line at Green Park

The event started at Green Park, with runners working their way through Whitley, past the University of Reading, near to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and then over to West Reading by Prospect Park, before heading back past Waterloo Meadows and finishing at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Sir John Madejski at the start line at Green Park
Runners eagerly await the starting horn

The first ever Reading Half Marathon was organised and run in 1983, when the start and finish venue was Reading University at White Knights Park.

There were 5,000 runners and it was won by a 21 year old local University student, Mark Curzons in a time of 67.45.

Three friends after completing the Reading Half Marathon
The winning medal for runners at this year's Reading Half Marathon