Yeovil Half Marathon 2016 to start & finish in Town Centre for first time

A chance meeting in a local sports shop between race organiser Steve Elliott and Yeovil Chamber President David Woan led to a Love Yeovil Campaign Team initiative which, with the invaluable assistance of SSDC and other agencies, has resulted in the start and finish of the annual Yeovil Half Marathon relocating into the town centre on Sunday 20^th March 2016. If the event is successful, it will become an annual town centre attraction.

President of Yeovil Chamber, David Woan, explains: "As part of the Love Yeovil Campaign Team, Chamber wanted to ensure the retailers in the Town Centre could benefit from the increasing popularity of this event which will celebrate its sixth anniversary in 2016. In line with our new membership invitation to town centre retailers, and as an example of what can be achieved when everyone pulls together, this initiative is a practical demonstration of our commitment to bringing business into the Town."

In addition to the expected 2,000 runners, there will be local and out-of-town spectators lining the town-centre section of the route. In all, it is conservatively estimated that over 4,000 people will be in Yeovil town centre on Sunday 20th March 2016.

Yeovil Half Marathon began in 2011 with just over 600 runners, and has rapidly grown into a major regional sporting event, attracting runners from across the UK and internationally. From the 09:00 start to the final runner arriving home there is a period of around two and a half hours, during which time the spectators will want something to do while they wait in Yeovil!

To give these visitors reasons to stay in town all day (and for them to want to return), the Love Yeovil Campaign Team is working closely with Yeovil Chamber and SSDC, to prepare a range of associated and co-ordinated attractions for that day, in order to maximise the retail and leisure opportunities that will arise from this annual event.

A big Yeovil Town Centre finish atmosphere is assured. See if the route passes your business: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z12fYzKEYO6c.knqPeA7AISHU

To sign up & run, or for more information about Yeovil Half Marathon: http://www.yeovilhalf.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/Total-Buzz-Events-193403400696377/timeline /

Further details on Yeovil Chamber: E/: secretary@yeovilchamber.org ; www.yeovilchamber.org twitter: @yeovilchamber T/:: +441935 804999 postbox: 31 Middle Street, Yeovil BA20 1LG

Further press information from Jane Adkins, A Head for PR Ltd, T/: 01935 813114 or E/: jane@aheadforpr.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Businesses are urged to contact Yeovil Chamber for:

• Sponsorship opportunities

• Promotional opportunities (e.g. goody-bag items)

• Ideas and initiatives to max out business opportunities for the town centre.

• Membership opportunities - join at www.yeovilchamber.org from only £53 per year.

October 2015 (YC 01)