Athletes all set to go in Sunday’s Liversedge Half Marathon

Athletes from all parts of the country have entered the race, which is supported by Fit 4 Force, and the organisers are hoping that the snow which forced the cancellation of last Sunday’s neighbouring Dewsbury 10K Road Race will stay clear of the Spen Valley.

This week the Road Runners issued a telephone number for entrants to check on the status of the race. The number, 07929 278241, is only available on Sunday but will give the latest information.

The forecast to date suggests there will be sleet and possibly snow today, (Friday) which is set to turn to rain on Saturday but it is expected to be dry on Sunday.

If the race is called off entry fees will not be refunded.

The race is over a testing course which takes in Roberttown Lane, Headlands Road, along Halifax Road turning into Hare Park Lane, along Windy Bank Lane and back onto Halifax Road.

The five mile mark comes half way down Birkby Lane. The route continues on Bradford Road towards Brighouse before the testing climb up Thornhills Beck Lane crossing into Clifton village before joining Highmoor Lane and into Walton Lane.

When the runners re-join Halifax Road they will have passed the 10-mile mark. The last three miles of the race is back along Windy Bank Lane and down Church Lane at Hartshead. The last mile is along Fall Lane back to the finishing line at Roberttown Common.

Throughout the course there will be race marshalls and police on duty. St John Ambulance members will also be in attendance. The drinks stations are at four miles, eight miles and 11 miles.

The fastest runners are expected to complete the race in approximately an hour-and-a-quarter.

Last year’s winner Ben Crowther from Halifax Harriers finished in 76 minutes 31 seconds. The women’s race winner last year was Donna Edmundson Booker in a time of 88 minutes 40 seconds.

Athletes are asked to arrive in plenty of time to collect their numbers from the race HQ at Roberttown Community Centre.

A limited amount of parking is available at Roberttown Junior School Field, depending on the weather.

All spectators are welcome to turn out and cheer the athletes on their way.

See next week’s Spenborough Guardian for a race report and pictures.