Greenwich is on its marks, ready and set to go as we prepare to host Run to the Beat - London's first ever 13-mile half marathon - on Sunday 5 October.
Run to the Beat is no ordinary running event, it will use a revolutionary technique that combines sport with music and will provide an exciting interactive challenge for fitness enthusiasts in the UK. Research has shown that this technique could improve individual performance by an impressive 20 per cent.
Race organisers are promising a festival of music and fun for spectators and competitors alike.
Tunes to motivate and boost performance
The organisers of the run have teamed-up with Dr Costas Karageorghis of Brunel University, who has been studying the huge impact music can have on sport for almost 20 years. He explained:
"I will be working closely with the organisers to scientifically deliver music throughout the 13 mile course with tunes designed to motivate and boost performance of every runner by up to 20 per cent in this very exciting new event."
Dr Karageoghis will ensure a variety of live music acts from London are strategically positioned to perform at the correct location along the route to create an inspirational impact on competitors’ personal bests, or to even just help them get round.
Want to take part?
Popular DJ, Spoony and the cast of Stomp will be lending their support to the event that will start and finish at The O2 - London’s premier music venue and a venue for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Go to the Run to the Beat website to find out more about the event and register as a competitor.
Registration costs £30 per person.
If you want to do your bit for charity, Leukaemia Research, the event’s official charity partner, are offering entrants the chance to Go Bananas on the day by joining join their Banana Army, the charity’s official running team.
Go to the Banana Army website.
'An inspirational event'
Nick Rusling, Managing Director of race organiser, IMG Mass Participation Sports, the company also behind Mazda London Triathlon, said: "Run to the Beat is a unique idea for the fitness and running world. It will be London’s first half marathon; it will be the first event that brings music into the heart of a running event and we are working with global specialists to help us deliver what will be a truly inspirational event for the lucky 10,000 people that take part."
Building participation in sport
Council Leader, Chris Roberts said: "We are proud to be hosting Run to the Beat, which promises to become a major event in the sporting calendar. This event is just the latest example of our determination to use Greenwich's role as a host borough for London 2012 to build participation in sport at levels."
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22 January 2008