Reading Half Marathon participants must be 17 years of age on race day.

Green Park Challenge participants will need to be 4 years of age on race day. Any child under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, who must also enter the race via the entry system – failure to do so may cancel the child's entry. Please note that there is no upper age limit for any race.

To qualify for UKA Affiliated entry, your running club must be recognised via the UKA Governing Body and you must know your UKA Affiliation number. If your club is missing from the list when you enter, please email info@goldlineevents.co.uk

If your entry has been successful you will receive an email confirmation. Please keep a safe copy of your order number as you will need this in the future.

Yes, provided that your entry hasn't been processed and was made within the last 60 days. Please email info@goldlineevents.co.uk with your order number for more information.

Please note: this option is NOT possible once the postal entries close and entries are available for collection only.

Postal entries will close approx. one month before the race. Race Pack collection entries will be open until approx. one week before the race or earlier if a race is full. Please check the website and social media channels for updates on the entries closing.

No, we cannot accept any entries to any race on the day.

No – unfortunately we do not have the facilities to take payment over the phone and all entries must be made online. However, if you are experiencing difficulties with this, then please call us on 0778 813 7117 and we will see how we can assist you further.

If your child is aged 10 or under, you will need to first enter an Accompanying Adult as a separate entry into the Green Park Challenge.

Once you have registered, you will receive your unique order number. You will be asked to add this order number and the surname of the accompanying adult when registering your child.

Yes, all you need to do is enter your order number and a surname.

However, we ask that you are sensible when doing this as each child is the responsibility of the accompanying adult during the run.

No, you must be registered as a Green Park Challenge runner to accompany a child during the run.

Yes, groups of 10 or more entrants can enter together and pay by one invoice, please email info@goldlineevents.co.uk to apply for a group entry.

Yes you can, however to ensure your safety and the safety of other participants you may be required to start at the back, please email info@goldlineevents.co.uk so we can ensure you are allocated a suitable start zone.

If you get an injury, we recommend you should go to your GP and/or a physiotherapist for advice. Hopefully your injury will recover and you will be able to take part.

However, if it does not and you are not able to participate you can apply to defer your entry. To apply for a deferral, please read the Deferral Policy here.

You can amend your entry at any time up to the point where your data has been processed and your race pack is underway. Simply click here and tell us what you want to amend.

Please note once you have submitted your form you will not receive an email confirmation, please don't do more than one form as this will delay your changes being processed. Your charges will be done manually and will not be visible to you.

Race Pack Collections: Race packs, including your race number, baggage label and merchandise (if ordered) will be available for collection from the Reading Football Club Stadium during the following times:

Friday 21st March  2025 - 5.00pm - 8.00pm

Saturday 22nd March 2025 - 10.00am-4.00pm

Address: Reading Football Club Stadium, Reading RG2 0FL. Please remember to bring a copy of your race entry confirmation email and a form of photo ID.
Please note there are no collections on Sunday.

Race Pack Posted: If you requested your race pack to be posted you should receive this approx. two weeks before the race date. Race packs are posted in batches so don't worry if your friend has received theirs but you haven't.

Please note your race pack will be sent to the address you have provided on your entry form. If you have changed address and have not changed it within your profile, before your race pack is produced, a replacement pack cannot be sent.

If you do not receive your race pack before the race then please collect a replacement pack from the Race Pack Collection point which is open on Friday 21st March (5.00pm - 8.00pm), on the Saturday 22nd March (10.00am - 4.00pm) at the Reading Football Club Stadium, or on Race Day (from 7.00am) at the Help Desk in the Race Village.

Yes, provided that your entry hasn't been processed and was made within the last 60 days. Please email info@goldlineevents.co.uk with your order number for more information.

Please note: this option is NOT possible once the postal entries close and entries are available for collection only.

To be friendlier to the planet we are not printing thousands of Race Guides. Your Race Guide will be available online, a link to the Guide will be sent to each participant through our newsletters and can be seen on the home page of this website.

Hilton Reading Corporate Challenge team members enter the Half Marathon or Green Park Challenge. When you enter you can choose to have your race pack posted to you or to collect it from the Reading Football Club Stadium on Friday 21st March (5.00pm - 8.00pm) or Saturday 22nd March April (10.00am - 4.00pm).

For more information please refer to the Corporate Challenge section in these FAQs below.

No, you will have to collect your race pack on either Friday or Saturday, from our Race Pack Collection desk. See above within 'When do I receive my race number?' Please remember to bring a copy of your race entry confirmation email with a form of ID.

Yes, if your entry has not been processed.

Please contact info@goldlineevents.co.uk to find out if we can update your details. 

If your pack has already been processed you will be asked to try to collect it from your previous address or arrange for it to be forwarded to you as we cannot send out more than one pack.
If this is not possible then please come to the Help Desk in the Race Village with your proof of entry (confirmation email) and photo ID (driving licence or passport). The Help Desk is open Friday 21st March 5.00pm- 8pm, Saturday 22nd March 10.00am - 4.00pm and Race Day from 7.00am.

Please do not worry, you will be able to pick up a replacement pack during the weekend of the race from the Help Desk. The Help Desk is open Friday 21st March 5.00pm- 8pm, Saturday 22nd March 10.00am - 4.00pm and Race Day from 7.00am. To have another pack re-issued you must bring proof of entry, this can be a confirmation email and photo ID (driving licence or passport).

No – your chip is already attached on the back of your race bib. Your chip will automatically start when you cross the start line and stop when you cross the finish line. You don't need to do anything.

Yes, there is no need to panic if the number on your bib is different to your chip timing number. Please do not attempt to remove your timing chip as this may cause a technical error and risk it not working on the day. The most important thing is that the number on the envelope which you received your race pack in matches the number on your race bib.

The Green Park Challenge starts at 8:30am

The Reading Half Marathon starts at: 10.15am

All runners will be issued with a colour coded race number that reflects the estimated finish time you provided to us on your entry form. When you arrive at the start line, you will see the different coloured start zones which match the bib colours. You should start in the allocated colour/time zone that is shown on your race bib. 

You will be in the same zone as other runners who have the same estimated finish time as you – so make use of it and buddy up!

The start will go in waves with each coloured zone being released separately.

Please do not worry if it takes a little time to cross the start line, this will not affect your chip time which will start when you pass under the gantry.

The estimated timing allocation for each coloured zone are subject to change. The final starting zones will be confirmed nearer the time and published in the Race Guide.

Yes the Green Park Challenge has two waves. Allocated by age the first wave will be participants age 11 and over plus Corporate Challenge Green Park Challenge runners. The second wave is age 10 and under plus accompanying adults.

Yes, you can amend your estimated finishing time if your race pack has not been processed.

Please contact info@goldlineevents.co.uk to find out of we can update your details.

The start line is on Longwater Avenue in Green Park. All starting zones will be clearly sign posted with coloured flags. All zones will be marshalled - please note that if you try to enter a different coloured zone to what is on your Race Bib you will be stopped by the marshal.

Your merchandise (e.g. T-shirts, Hoodie, Snood, Bib Clips) will be in your Race Pack. This will be posted to you if you ordered race pack delivery or if you didn't it will be ready for you to collect from the Reading Football Club Stadium during the following times:

Friday 21st March  2025 - 5.00pm - 8.00pm

Saturday 22nd March  2025 - 10.00am-4.00pm

Address: Reading Football Club Stadium, Reading RG2 0FL. Please remember to bring a copy of your race entry confirmation email and a form of photo ID.
Please note there are no race pack collections on Race Day

If you purchased a Finisher T-Shirt with your entry, you will receive your finisher t-shirt with your medal at the finish line. This will not arrive with your race pack.

Your VIP Race performance T-shirt will be included in your Race Pack if you ordered postage. If you have not ordered postage your T-shirt will be with your Race Bib when you collect it from the Reading Football Club Stadium during the following times:

Friday 21st March  2025 - 5.00pm - 8.00pm

Saturday 22nd March  2025 - 10.00am-4.00pm

Address: Reading Football Club Stadium, Reading RG2 0FL. Please remember to bring a copy of your race entry confirmation email and a form of photo ID.
Please note there are no race pack collections on Sunday.

You can add any merchandise to your order by going to the SHOP pages. If your Race Pack has not been processed, your merchandise will be with your Race Pack (either posted or collection). If your Race Pack has been processed, your merchandise will be collection only.

You can also purchase merchandise from the Merchandise Tent in the Race Village.

Yes from the Merchandise Tent on the Race Village.

Yes, you can exchange your merchandise for a different size at the Merchandise Tent in the Race Village.

It must be unworn and you must bring a copy of your proof of transaction which was emailed to you after your purchase.

Please be aware that we will have a limited amount of stock available for each size.

Your iTAB ribbon hanger of your personal chip time will be sent to you approx. two weeks after the race. All iTABs will be dispatched after the official race times have been confirmed, they will be posted to the address you entered on your race entry.

You can add an iTAB to your entry by going to the iTAB page on the website. 

You can also order an iTAB directly from iTAB.

All runners will receive their parking permit before the day, either in your Race Pack (if you ordered postage) or with your pack when you collect it on the Friday/Saturday before (if you ordered race pack collection).

Reading Football Club Stadium, Junction 11, M4, Reading, Berkshire, England, UK, RG2 0FL.

The Race Village and all facilities will be open from 7.00am on Race Day.

The Help Desk will be open on the weekend of the race:

Friday - 5.00pm - 8.00pm

Saturday - 10.00am - 4.00pm

Sunday - 7.00am - 3.00pm

No. There is no parking at the Reading Football Club Stadium (please don't attempt to park here as you will be turned away, causing traffic congestion and you could risk missing the start of the race).

Yes, the Baggage Tent is located in the Race Village. Your baggage label will be with your Race Bib and matches your race number and start zone colour, please attach it to your bag, then hand it in to a member of the Baggage Tent team.

To retrieve your bag at the end of the race all you have to do is show your running number at the Baggage Tent.

Please note: Whilst we will do our utmost to protect your bags, organisers cannot be held responsible for valuables left in a baggage tent - you leave all belongings at your own risk.

No there are no showers or changing available on site.

Yes, we always order lots of extra toilets within the Race Village. You can also use the toilets in the concourse of the Stadium or inside the voco Hotel.

There is one meeting point in the centre of the Race Village so please arrange with your friends and family there or somewhere that is obvious to everyone. Please scope these out on the day and ensure you agree on a meeting point pre-race.

You'll find lots of activities and services in the Race Village including a Merchandise Tent, Charity Tent, First Aid, plenty of Refreshments, Massage, Toilets and the Help Desk.

Yes, but please bear in mind that with over 18,000 people the Race Village will be extremely busy. Therefore, for the safety of your dog and other runners we ask that you keep them on a lead.

Only registered guide dogs are allowed within the Stadium.

Yes, the Stadium is free for spectators to come and cheer you on over the finish line.

Anyone can enter as a special VIP. VIP entry includes: Half Marathon race entry, Free Car Parking (car park TBC), VIP Race Performance T-shirt, VIP Hospitality Suite with amazing finish line view, Bag Drop, Free Race Photograph, Post-Race Massage and Post-Race refreshments plus POSH loos!

The VIP hospitality box is in the Conference Centre located next to the Reading Football Club Stadium. The entrance is next to the Reading FC shop.

Your VIP wristband will be sent to you in your Race Pack. Make sure you are wearing your VIP wristband and show it to security at the entrance to the Conference Centre and they will direct you to your VIP box.

Your VIP entry includes free entry for one child under the age of 6. You can also purchase up to 5 x VIP Guest passes for your friends or family. Your guests will have access to the VIP area all day and the same post race refreshments as you.

Yes, there is a VIP baggage drop area next to the VIP suite. Make sure you attach your baggage label and you hand your bag to a member of the team and not just leave it in the VIP suite.

Please note: Whilst we will do our utmost to protect your bags, organisers cannot be held responsible for valuables left in your bag - you leave all belongings at your own risk.

Your VIP T-shirt will be included in your Race Pack which will either be posted to you (if you ordered race pack delivery) or in your pack when you collect it from the Race Village on either the Friday or Saturday before the race.

Yes you can exchange your T-shirt in the VIP suite. Please note however there are only a limited number of sizes available.

Four – 2 members running the Half Marathon and 2 running the Green Park Challenge.

Six with a maximum of 3 people running the Green Park Challenge and 3 running the Half Marathon.

If you order postage your Hilton Reading Corporate Challenge race packs will be delivered to you at the addresses provided on entry.

If you don't order postage your race pack will be available to collect at the Race Village. Please see Race Pack FAQ's above for more information.

Access is via wristband, information on how you obtain your wristband will be sent to you before the day.

Green Park Challenge runners - please aim to arrive no later than 7:30am.

Half Marathon runners - please aim to arrive no later than 8:00am.

Please also factor in the time it takes to walk from the Race Village to the start line in Green Park.

The Hilton Reading Corporate Challenge hospitality area will have its own baggage drop off point.

Please note: Whilst we will do our utmost to protect your bags, organisers cannot be held responsible for valuables left in your bag - you leave all belongings at your own risk.

Half Marathon runners will start in the red zone.

Green Park Challenge runners will start in the purple zone.

If you ordered postage your Hilton Reading Corporate Challenge T-shirt will be sent to you with your race pack. This will be the size which was inputted on your entry.

If you did not order postage it will be available to collect from the Race Village, see race packs FAQs above for more information.

Yes, if you wish to exchange your T-shirt for a different size you can at the Help Desk in the Race Village. Please be aware that we have a limited amount of stock available for each size and is based on a first come first served basis.

Unfortunately because the hospitality room is in a restricted area you cannot bring guests in.

Your team members Half Marathon or Green Park Challenge results will be live approx. 5 minutes after they cross the finish line on this website.

We will also email you your individual times later in the day. Provisional results for the teams will be posted online on the evening of the race, however, please bear in mind that these results are provisional as the official results take between 3 – 5 working days to finalise.

If your team has come 1st, 2nd or 3rd (congratulations!) the Team Leader will be contacted with details of how to collect your team's prize.

The Reading Half Marathon course is 13.1 miles or 21km.

The Green Park Challenge course is approximately 1.86 miles or 3km.

The race is run predominantly on closed roads or tarmac surfaces, there are areas that could be uneven and undulating. You may wish to consider the type of running shoes you wear particularly if it is wet.

Yes. There will be pace runners for the Half Marathon at 5 minute intervals between 1:20 and 2:30 as well as 2:40, 2:50 and 3hr pacers.
Click here for more information. Please note our pacers train hard and do their very best to hit their target times, they will be running to a chip time, not a gun time therefore please bear this in mind.

For health and safety reasons, we recommend earphones or any device which may impede hearing/listening to instructions both before and during the race are not used. Whilst bone conduction headphones are approved for use in road races under UKA rules of competition, we still recommend that you do not wear them.

Water will be available around the Half Marathon course.

Water stations will be positioned at approx. every 3 mile point (3, 6, 9 and 12).

Please sip slowly – this will top up your energy levels to help you finish strong. Please ensure to stick to your pre-race hydration routine, and do not feel like you have to drink at every station. Water will also be available on the finish line, these will help you rehydrate and kick start your recovery process post-race.

Yes. Medical services will be located around the course, as well as at the start line, near the finish area and in the Race Village to ensure your safety.

Yes. A limited number of toilets will be located at each water station.

Yes there are marshals at every road junction and anywhere you could make a decision to ensure you go the right way and to cheer you on. Please note most of our marshals are volunteers or Charity partners so high five them too!

Yes. There is plenty of entertainment to look out for including bands, DJs, dancers and cheering points. Spread out around the course they will help keep you motivated and some might even put a smile on your face!

Yes. We have a legal obligation to re-open the roads by a certain time. This is approximately 4 hours after the race has started. If you are still running when we need to re-open the roads you maybe asked to move to the path. If you think you will be longer than 4 hours, please get in contact with us via email at info@goldlineevents.co.uk where we will be more than happy to discuss how we can assist you to take part.

Yes of course, Fancy Dress is encouraged! However, we recommend practising in your costume beforehand. If your outfit includes anything other than clothing or shoes please get in touch with us as there may be other requirements to ensure your safety and the safety of other runners.

No. Participants are not permitted to use any of the above or similar in the event. Anyone attempting to do so will be prohibited from starting and may be forcibly removed from the course mid-race where necessary.

Likewise, anyone attempting to start or join the race in any outfit that we, in our absolute discretion, deem unsuitable and/or dangerous to other competitors or spectators, will not be allowed to start the event or, if on the course, may be forcibly removed from the event.

Yes. All finishers in the Reading Half Marathon and Green Park Challenge who cross the finish line will get a fantastic race specific medal. Please ensure to take yours from one of our volunteers as you walk through the finish funnel as you cannot go back to collect one, once you have exited the finish funnel.

The results will be available online on the evening of the race.

Please note when first published the results are provisional, the official results are normally confirmed 3-5 working days after the event. Should you have any queries regarding your provisional result then please email us straight away at info@goldlineevents.co.uk.

The Schools Challenge results take a little longer to work out and cannot be done until the main results are official. The Schools Challenge results normally take between 2 to 3 weeks to confirm.

If your child or school has won a prize you will be contacted via email and invited to the special awards evening. The Schools Challenge results are not published.

Please see our Cancellation, Deferral and Refund Policy page for more information.

Your deferral request will be processed after the race, once the deferral application link has closed. We aim to inform all applicants two weeks after the race if their application has been successful, however please note that this could be longer depending on the number of applications.

No you are not automatically re-entered. Once your deferral has been accepted, the team will contact you regarding the next step.

If you purchased any of the following items they will be deferred with your entry when your deferral is confirmed: iTAB's and Car Parking.

Other items such as Race T-shirts, Snoods, Bib Clips, Pace Bands hoodies and tops etc. will only defer with your entry if we have not already posted them or produced them on your behalf. If we have produced any merchandise for you it will be sent to you once your deferral is confirmed. Please note they will be sent to the address on your race entry, if this has changed please email info@goldlineevents.co.uk

Race pack postage is not included within deferrals, if you wish to have your race pack posted to your home then please add postage when you enter, as it cannot be added later.

The deferral link will close on race day at 10.15am as the race starts. Please note that if you start in the race on the day and then pull out you will not be accepted for a deferral.

No. Deferrals are only valid for one year from the original year of entry and cannot be rolled over to the next year.

We understand that there can be many reasons why you can no longer take part, which could be outside of your control. Most races do not offer any form of refund in these circumstances and like them we are also unable to offer a refund on race entry. However, in fairness to all of our runners you do have other options. To find out what these options are and how to proceed go to the Cancellation & Refund Policy here

Duplicate entries made in genuine error may be refunded in full, at the organisers discretion. However, we reserve the right to cancel all duplicate entries without refund if we have reason to believe that duplicate entries have been deliberately made with the intention of re-sale.

As your entry is linked to your profile, you are unable to transfer it to another runner. If you would like to transfer your entry to another runner, we can administer this for you for a charge of £12 (paid by the new runner), provided that your race pack has not been processed. Please email info@goldlineevents.co.uk with the new runner's full name, email and mobile number, together with your full name, your order number and order email confirmation.

Please do not give your race bib to another runner under any circumstances as this can lead to both you and the other runner being disqualified from this and other races under UKA rules.

Entries cannot automatically be transferred from one Event to another. If you are unable to attend an Event and would like your entry transferred to another please contact the team at info@goldlineevents.co.uk with your request. Each request is individual and as such will be assessed on an individual basis. An administration fee of £7.50 will be payable to complete the transfer.

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Yes, we welcome all supporters, especially inside the Stadium where they will see you crossed the finish line.

Great, we're always happy to hear from new performers. Please email info@goldlineevents.co.uk

Thank you, that's great news - we need over 700 volunteers on the day so you'd be very welcome. Please see more information here and follow the link to email your application to info@goldlineevents.co.uk

On Race Day thousands of runners will take part in this iconic event and will be raising thousands of pounds for local and national charities.

If you are interested in booking a trade space or catering concession at one of Reading's largest mass participation events, please email info@goldlineevents.co.uk