Thousands go on the run in half-marathon
AROUND 7,000 keen runners laced their shoes for this year’s Ealing Half Marathon. Despite complaints from people trying to travel in the area, the fifth Ealing Half Marathon was a roaring success on a sunny day that made for perfect running conditions.
Runners kicked off the event, which has been voted the UK’s best half marathon for the past three years, at around 9am, facing a 13-mile course through Ealing.
The win went to Josphat Kemei who finished in an outstanding 1hr 04m 14s, smashing the previous record by 19 seconds.
He was followed eight minutes later by Michael Aldridge with a time of 1:12:02 and then Alun Myers in 1:12:04.
Teresiah Omosa took the honours in the women’s field with a time of 01:14:45, ahead of Sophie Tomaszczyk with 01:25:09 and Isobel Rea in third with 01:26:12.
This year’s route started and finished in Lammas Park after a single lap through the centre of Ealing, Montpelier, Pitshanger, West Ealing, Hanwell and St Stephen’s.
The chosen charities for this year’s half marathon are the Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK and CLIC Sargent.
Over the past two years the race has raised more than £900,000 for different charities and organisers are hoping this year will see them raise more than ever before.
The total amount of money raised will be revealed in around two weeks.
In the Ealing Mini Mile, a popular event giving youngsters the chance to compete, Richie Grant and Emma Pribyl won the six to nine years category and Maxmilian Steel and Josie Booker took the honours for the 10-12 years category.
William Paterson Denton and Ellie Osmond claimed first place in the 13-16 years category.
Race director Kelvin Walker said: “The Ealing Half Marathon 2016 has exceeded expectations and been our best year yet.
“We had thousands of runners cross the finish line and a fantastic turnout of families and friends to cheer them on and celebrate their achievements.
“When we started the race five years ago, our dream was to host an event that would bring the community together and give something back, and we are thrilled that the Ealing Half Marathon has done just this while becoming a key date in the diary for many people.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported the race again this year, including the volunteers, marshals, our sponsors and partners, and local businesses and residents.
“And a big thank you of course to the runners, young and old, who keep coming back to support Ealing Half Marathon year after year – congratulations to all of you on this superb day of sporting achievement.”
Organisers have confirmed that registration to the Ealing Half Marathon 2017, which will take place on Sunday September 24, will open shortly.