THOUSANDS of runners took to the streets of Warrington for the annual English Half Marathon which was blessed with glorious sunshine making for hot conditions.
Organisers were overwhelmed with the continued support of the running community who continue to make the event, which sold out, a firm favourite.
Rob Griffiths, race director, says: “It’s been a fantastic day. Once again we’re receiving great feedback about the event. This is entirely due to the support of the local running community, local partners in the town, volunteers and the commitment from our team to really deliver something memorable for everyone.”
Setting off at 9am, the Half Marathon and 10k races took in all the landmarks of Warrington, ending once again in a spectacular finish through the iconic Golden Gates. Runners hailing from the furthest reaches of the UK and as far a field as New Zealand were eagerly awaiting the starting gun. 2016 saw the introduction of the Knight Corporate Finance – Corporate Challenge. A number of Warrington businesses took part, engaging their workforce to get active and take part in the event.
The newly titled WireFM Family Mile saw runners from the ages of 3 to 83 take on a one mile circuit of the town centre, with the budding runners of tomorrow also enjoying the red carpet finish through the Golden Gates.
Degine Gesimu came back for his 2nd year, not only to beat his 2015 2nd place finish, but to also take a new course record of 1:07:42.
Second was Stuart Robinson from Salford Harriers in 01:08:39 and third was James Kevan from Horwich RMI Harriers in 01:09:55.
First locally based person across the finish line was Jonathan Smith, from Lymm Runners who finished 8th overall in 01:17:44.
Victoria Atess of Manchester Frontrunners took 1st for the ladies, with an impressive run of 1:29:04.
Having sold out in the days leading up to the event, demand for the race is high, with English Half Marathon showing continued growth in recent years.
“The EHM journey is one that is continuing to grow. To think that 4 years ago, this race was only really on local runners radar and attracted a little over 1,000 entrants. Today we’re managing an event with over 4 times that number and struggling to find hotel rooms for runners due to the influx of people into the town!” added Rob.
Full list of results for the EHM can be seen here
http://www.chiptiming.co.uk/events/english-half-marathon-2016/
First across the line in the 10k with a new course record was Przemyslaw Tomczak in 00:33:54, second was Kevin Usher in 00:34:19 and third was Paul Bagan from Spectrum Striders in 00:34:42.
Full list of results for the 10k can be seen here
http://www.chiptiming.co.uk/events/english-half-marathon-10k-2016/
Half marathon winner Degine Gesimu
10k winner Przemyslaw Tomczak
Jane Fletcher the first female in the 10k
Mayor Faisal Rashid join s in the fun
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