29 January 2013: The Windsor Half Marathon has long been a regular fixture for SHINE – last year we fielded our largest ever team. This year the race takes place on 29th September and we hope to do even better, with everything that we raise on the day matched by some generous SHINE Supporters. So if you’re interested in signing up, now’s your chance.

The Windsor Half Marathon has been inked into our diary for almost a decade now. For a start, the 13 miles around Windsor Great Park is known as a gorgeous, interesting course around beautiful countryside, with the imposing spectacle of Windsor Castle in the distance. Besides that, the event also gives us a great chance to set out our stall (literally), cheer on our supporters and, obviously, raise lots of money for SHINE’s work.

Improving on 2012

With 25 runners, the 2012 SHINE on Windsor team was the largest fielded to date and has now raised a whopping £40,000. This year, of course, we want to do better still and put even more runners onto the Windsor track. And as an added incentive, some generous SHINE supporters have promised to match the amount that our runners raise in sponsorship, thereby doubling the total for the day.

All we need now are some runners! And while experience is great, what’s most important is enthusiasm. We welcome runners of all abilities, whether you’re an old hand who wants to clock up a decent time, or a total novice who just feels like giving it a go.

In fact, all you really need is a healthy dose of commitment, determination and, of course, sponsorship – hopefully £250 or more. In return, we’re providing post sign-up support for anybody who wants it, including a running plan and some expert advice from our more experienced team members.

A grand day out

The Half Marathon takes place on 29th September and is a great family day out. As usual, we’ll pitch SHINE’s now-famous hospitality tent to provide our runners and their entourage with tip-top pit-stop facilities such as refreshments and massages (plus face-painting and other family activities for younger cheerleaders).

Best of all, by running for SHINE, you’ll be helping some of London’s most disadvantaged children to fulfil their potential at school – giving them a much better chance of a far brighter future.

If you’re interested or would just like to know more, please email Paul Carbury at SHINE. To be sure of securing a place, please get in touch by Friday 19th April because we expect lots of demand for our slots. And quite right too: after all, not only will you experience a beautiful course and enjoy guilt-free smugness for weeks afterwards, you’ll also help SHINE kids stay the course and improve their own personal bests at school. That’s got to be worth a few aches and pains.