Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon 2013: Road closures to hit town

Tunbridge Wells residents are being told to expect major congestion and delays between 9.30am and 1pm on Sunday, February 24 - when the Half Marathon rolls into town.

The Lifestyle Renault sponsored event, hosted by the Tunbridge Wells Harrier, will attract around 2,800 runners.

A statement said: "Some disruption to the Town is to be expected however and we apologise for any inconvenience it causes to residents and businesses. 

"We hope that people will support the event and come out to watch the runners instead and give them a cheer. 

"There are numerous spectator points along the route with various bands and entertainment."

The race starts at 10am on the main St John's Road near to the TW Sports Centre. 

It follows a northerly route towards Bidborough, taking a left turn along Bidborough Ridge and drops down into Penshurst. 

From there it continues towards Fordcombe, up Spring Hill and out onto the main road at Langton Green, where it turns left and continues through the Town, along Mount Ephraim and then back to the TW Boys Grammar School on St John's Road where it finishes. 

Full details of the exact route can be found on the website www.twharriers.org.uk.

A spokesman said: "We have worked closely with Kent CC and Kent police over the years to develop a traffic management plan to ensure the safety of drivers, runners and marshals, but also to minimise disruption where possible. 

"This however is not an easy task and some roads will be closed and others will be severely congested for some time, with many other roads leading into the Town being affected as well.

"General disruption should be expected and all we ask is for the co-operation and patience of the residents, businesses and visitors to the Town on the day."

Full details of the roads affected and timings of closures can be found at www.twharriers.org.uk/racing/tw_half_marathon_0

Organised by volunteers, it has raised over £84,000 for local charity over the last 4 years, including Hospice in the Weald, Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, Pickering Cancer Drop in Centre, TW Mental Health and CAB as well as many others.

This is the 30th anniversary of the event and it will bring together not only runners, but local schools, community groups, volunteers, businesses, partners and sponsors from the Town in celebration.