The Medway Mile moving from historic Rochester to Medway Park in Gillingham

A sporting event is moving locations for the first time in its 15 year history.

The Medway Mile 2022 will take place at Medway Park in Gillingham, rather than its usual home in historic Rochester.

The mass fun run was first held in 2007 as an annual countdown event to the London 2012 Olympic Games and has now become one of the key dates in Medway's event calendar.

Thousands of runners of all ages usually set off from outside Rochester castle and run through the town's cobbled streets before making their way to the Castle Gardens but this year they will be running in and around Medway's biggest sports centre.

Organisers Medway Council said the Mile will be held in different locations over the next few years "to make sure as many local communities as possible can enjoy the fun".

This year’s run, which will take place on Friday, July 22, will be a celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Engineers. The route will take in some of Brompton’s military landmarks including the tanks at the Royal Engineers Museum.

The event will also celebrate this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, with families able to take part in free activities showcasing the games.

Runners, joggers and walkers wishing to take part in this year’s mass mile can now register for their free place. Everyone who registers will receive a free souvenir t-shirt.

There will also be children’s races on the athletics track at Medway Park, as well as a mascot race and a competitive track races in association with Medway and Maidstone Athletics Club.

Everyone is welcome to come go along, even if they don't want to run the mile, and enjoy the free sports activities, attractions and entertainment from 5pm onwards.

Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for community services, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at this year’s Medway Mile.

"We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of residents of all ages to Gillingham to take part in one of Medway’s most-loved sporting events.

"There will be a range of activities on offer at Medway Park, a centre of sporting excellence, for the whole family to enjoy. I would encourage residents to sign up for the Medway Jubilee Mile early, to avoid disappointment.”

To find out more, and register, click here.