Sep92019
Beckenham half marathon runners

Now in its fifth year, the Beckenham Half Marathon has become a beacon event within our local community.  Not only does it manage to get hundreds of locals fit, healthy and donning their dusty Nike trainers, it also raises an incredible amount for Action Against Cancer. In fact, every penny raised at this inspiring event is donated to Action Against Cancer and their determination to improve the survival prospects and quality of life for cancer sufferers.

This year, the Make Me Local team are excited to support their very own Head of Projects, Andrea Toms who will be joining the other 600+ runners taking on the 13.1 mile route on Sunday 15th September 2019.  If, like us, you are planning on rooting for this brave bunch next Sunday, you may be wondering where best to stand and cheer them on?  Well, we’ve been asking those in the know and have put together the following handy hints to help you decide…

VIEW THE ROUTE MAP

Near the start of the race

If you don’t want to have to wait too long to see friends or loved ones who are taking part, then head to Beckenham Rugby Club, Balmoral Avenue, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3RD for the start of the race.  It starts promptly at 09.00am so don’t be late!

Multiple sightings

If you want to catch sight of runners more than once without having to move yourself then choose from the following:

  1. The end of Wickham Way/Barnfield Wood Road (the Chinese Garage roundabout) where you will see runners at mile 6 and 10.
  2. The corner of Manor Way/ Stone Park Avenue (near Kelsey Park) where you will see runners at mile 11 and 12.
  3. Beckenham Rugby Club where the race starts and finishes.

Child friendly areas

If you are cheering on with little ones on board, then you’ll be looking for a relatively stress-free option.  Try one of the three parks along the route:

  1. Beckenham Place Park (mile 3).
  2. Harvington Park (mile 11).
  3. Kelsey Park (mile 12). Runners will enter Kelsey Park at the Stone Park Avenue entrance.
  4. Beckenham Rugby Club is again a good choice as runners start and finish here and there is always a great atmosphere. Plus, the club will celebrate the end of the race with food/bar (from 12pm) and a children’s race at 1pm.

Tough spots for runners

The route is tough in several places so if you want to support runners where they will need it most head towards Pickhurst lane (between Westmoreland Traffic Lights and the Miller and Carter restaurant) or up Hawes Lane which by all accounts is a bit of a killer.

Near refreshments

All that cheering can be thirsty work!  For those of you who feel the need to be near liquid then the following pubs will oblige you:

  • The Railway on Red Lodge Road (opposite West Wickham Train Station).
  • The Miller & Carter restaurant on Pickhurst Lane (where you can now just enjoy a tipple at the bar if you want to).
  • The after party at Beckenham Rugby Club!

For those of you not taking on the challenge this year, please make sure you show your support to the runners somewhere along the route.  It’s always lovely to see so many people embracing community spirit and most importantly, taking the time to remember those who we have lost to cancer and to show our support to those suffering right now.

Good luck to Andrea and everyone else taking part.  After all your training make sure you enjoy the sweet taste of satisfaction when crossing that finish line!