WARRINGTON’S annual English Half Marathon has been hailed a great success after attracting a record breaking 2,700 entries, with organisers now planning to make it an iconic racing event.
Costing around £70,000 to stage, Event Director Rob Griffiths says his ultimate goal is to have the race finshing outside the town hall’s Golden Gates.
“This would help make it an iconic event and attract runners from all over the world,” said Rob.
“As a proud Warringtonian it is my ambition to bring this event into the heart of the town – to see it finishing outside the Golden Gates is my ultimate ambition.”
This year’s race, which got off to a flying start as a Royal Airforce display team parachuted into the main arena, was won by Mat Rushbrook, aged 37, from Knutsford Tri club in a time of 1.14.04 closely followed by Will Beauchamp, aged 27 from Sheffield Running Club in a time of 1.14.19.
Third was Craig Mooney aged 31, from South Cheshire Harriers in a time of 1.17.42. First Warrington runner was 4th placed Wesley Durkin, aged 25 in a time of 1.17.42.
First woman to finish was Kelly Crickmore, aged 35, from Chester Tri Club in a time of 1.20.01.
A puncture after six miles prevented Warrington Paralympic athlete Adrian Derbyshire (pictured right) from completing the race on his new trike but he was not too disheartened after breaking a world record time in training, with plans to make next year’s event fully accessible.
The training has also helped him prepare for a major event next year when he plans to tour the length of the country from Lands End to John O’Groats as an anti-hate crime ambassador, as well as promoting the good work of Warrington Disability Partnership, where he is a trustee.
Meanwhile next year’s English Half Marathon event has been provisionally arranged for Sunday September 7.
A flying start from the Royal Airforce display team
Runners head off from Victoria Park
Bid to make English Half Marathon Iconic event
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
