Lincolnites to have first pick of Lincoln Half Marathon places

Residents in the Lincoln postcode area will have a 24-hour head start when applying for places for the 2016 Lincoln Half Marathon, as part of a special opportunity in partnership with The Lincolnite.

Organisers OSB Events will be hosting 4,000 athletes when the race takes place for the first time on October 2.

All those with an LN postcode, who have lodged their interest before the pre-registration deadline of May 5, will have an exclusive advantage over those outside of the area and general sale.

Pre-registered LN runners can officially apply on May 10, with remaining registered athletes from May 11 and general sale going live from May 12.

People can pre-register on the OSB Events website – www.osbevents.com

The 13.1 mile route is due to be released soon, with the provisional course outlined to start and finish at the Lincolnshire Showground, winding through the historic Cathedral Quarter of Lincoln, into the lower part of the city for a loop of the Brayford and then an uphill climb back to the finish line.

Ethan Maull

As reported previously, the race is set to give the city’s economy a significant boost, and organisers hope to raise around £250,000 for partner charity, The Ethan Maull ‘Up Yours to Cancer’ Foundation, along with Cancer Research UK.

Ethan Maull’s charity, which is carrying on the work of the inspirational 10-year-old who sadly lost his battle with bone cancer in May 2014, is raising money for a home in Lincoln where families can stay while their children receive cancer treatment.

It also provides toys and gifts for children on E39 Ward at Nottingham Children’s Hospital, at the Queen’s Medical Centre where Ethan received care.

So far, the foundation has raised over £200,000, half of which was raised by Ethan. His fundraising legacy has continued over the last two years with parents Darren and Sam taking part in numerous sporting events.

The charity is close to the hearts of OSB Events’ director Iain Hamilton and his wife Teresa, whose daughter grew up with Ethan.

The race is expecting to raise around £250,000 for Ethan’s charity. Pictured is organisers Iain and Teresa Hamilton and Ethan’s parents Sam and Darren. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite.

Ethan’s dad Darren said: “We’ve known Ian and his wife Teresa for a long time and Ethan was very close to their family too.

“OSB Events have been advertising Ethan’s charity through the triathlons and other events ever since Ethan came up with the idea three years ago.

“Ethan used to come along and support. The last one he watched was at Burton Waters, which I raced in. He’d challenged me to do the triathlon. With the challenge of that I had to get fit and I continued with it and we have carried that on for the charity.

“We did the Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon in March which Ian and Teresa organised, and we did the Lincoln 10k, we keep going on!

“Lots of people know Ethanm know about his mission and follow his Facebook and I think the race will get a lot of support.”

The event has already seen just over 2,200 pre-registrations, with 4,000 places up for grabs. Entry prices are yet to be confirmed.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Iain Hamilton said: “From a charity and awareness point of view we wanted to do something in Lincoln because it’s where we are all from. Ethan and our kids grew up here.

“Ethan was full of life and a lovely little man and we wanted to bring a lively event to Lincoln.

“To bring his energy to it we are hoping to have musicians, bands and choirs lining the route. We’d love to have a cathedral choir in the historic quarter and we are looking for bands and musicians to get in touch to take a spot on the course.”

Musicians, dancers and performers can get involved by contacting [email protected]