A look ahead to Bristol Half Marathon

Emily Wicks - joint leader* in the women’s runbritain Grand Prix for 2012 - will aim to build a clear lead in the standings when she joins a strong British line up in the Bristol Half Marathon, round four of the runbritain Grand Prix, on Sunday 30 September, while Jon Pepper will be targeting a big points haul to extend his lead* in pole position of the men’s competition.

The race, which takes place on a popular fast course, will start and finish in Bristol's historic Harbourside. The scenic, sea-level route will take runners past the Harbourside, out and back along the Portway, through the stunning Avon Gorge, and pass twice under Brunel’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, along Cumberland Road then around the old city before returning to Anchor Road.

Wicks clocked her half marathon best in Reading 2011, the first race in the inaugural runbritain Grand Prix series, with a time of 75:38, and was only a minute slower when she returned to kick off her 2012 Grand Prix campaign 12 months later.

Pepper clocked his 65:32 lifetime best in 2011 at the Bupa Birmingham Half Marathon and clocked 68:26 in round one of the Grand Prix in Reading in April.

The Bristol half marathon prize list includes top awards of £1,000 for winners of the open race and £750 for winners of the British categories. Time bonus points are also awarded as part of the runbritain Grand Prix and full details can be found within the dedicated section of the runbritain website

The race is also offering the added incentive of additional time bonus awards will be made to elite British athletes, while other prize categories include wheelchair athletes, veteran, local and club/team awards (see further details and rules).

While the 2011 men’s open race was won in fine style by Kenya’s Edwin Kipyego who was returning to Bristol to defend his title, the true highlight for the home crowd came as Charnwood AC’s Gemma Steel - the eventual winner of the runbritain Grand Prix in 2011 - delivered in her position as pre-race favourite to take the overall women’s title in 73:32.

Both Wicks and Pepper will be targeting victories on Sunday as they aim to emulate Steel and continue their respective Grand Prix bids.

*Leaders were correct at time of writing (pre-Swansea).