Pictures John Hopkins
THOUSANDS of runners took to the streets today in the Warrington Running Festival that started and finished in front of the landmark Golden Gates.
The Warrington Running Festival saw elite athletes run alongside charity runners, club runners and fun runners in a number of events.
There was a 5km race of approximately three miles, a 10km race of around six miles and a half marathon of 13 miles. A junior race also took place.
Roads were closed off around Latchford, Stockton Heath, Grappenhall and Appleton and around the town centre to ensure the event could go ahead safely.
Warrington Borough Council put a traffic notice in place closing off the roads until the race was over shortly after lunch.
The longest-running festival race started and finished at the Golden Gates and weaved past St Elphin’s Church in Howley to Victoria Park then Loushers Lane, Stockton Heath to Grappenhall and back up the Cantilever Bridge and into town.
Runners were presented with a commemorative medal at the end of the race celebrating their success.
And the rain didn’t put off the crowds who lined the streets of the town centre to support those taking part.
On Knutsford Road, a woman held a handwritten sign offering power high-fives to athletes in need of a boost. ‘Touch here for a turbo boost. Kachow,’ it read.
Passers-by offered sweets and sugary treats to those who wanted them.
Small children cheered on their family members who embarked on the race.
Last year, around 6,000 runners took part in the running festival.
At the finish line at the Golden Gates in front of Warrington Town Hall, athletes were cheered in by friends, family and onlookers.
The Run Together blue bird mascot was on hand to give high fives or hugs to those who wanted them.
There was an athletes village set up where runners could benefit from water and snacks and massages before heading home.
Two ambulances from North West Ambulance Service were called to the town hall during the morning to aid an injured runner but it was believed their condition was not serious.
Full Warrington Running Festival results can be found by CLICKING HERE
Click on the image to see 30 photographs from the Warrington Running Festival
