Thousands join in for return of city running spectacle
THOUSANDS RUN IN THE SUN FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2019
THOUSANDS took part in yesterday’s Robin Hood Half Marathon events, with spectators cheering the runners on from the sidelines.
The half marathon began just after 9.30am and was shortly followed by the mini marathon which saw many children run alongside their parents on a shorter route.
This year’s event was the first since 2019 and the race director said it was “great to be back” on a day when the sun was mostly shining.
The race began and ended at the Embankment.
Megan Rossier, 34, from Mapperley Park, won the female race, much to her own surprise.
She said: “I’m feeling absolutely over the moon to have won.
“The run went well and it was actually quite tough at times.
“I’m in complete shock to have won but very happy.
“The conditions were perfect for racing too.”
The winner of the men’s race and first finisher overall in the half-marathon was William Strangeway, from Lincoln,
The 35-year-old finished with a hugely impressive time of one hour and seven minutes.
“That’s my personal best time so I’m really pleased with that,” said William, a member of Lincoln Wellington Athletics Club.
“There are so many people all along the route.
“It’s one of the biggest I’ve done. A bit of shock.”
Over in the minimarathon, eight-yearold Sebby Caulton was glad to have finished his race and raise money for charity along the way.
Sebby raised over £350 for Nottingham charity Imara, which supports children who have experienced tragedy.
He ran the mini-marathon with mum, Charlotte and dad, Greg. Sebby said: “I enjoyed it.
“It was quite hard. “We’re going to meet up with grandad now who has been cheering us on.”
Clemmie Rennoldson, 9, also ran the mini-marathon with dad Mike Rennoldson. The pair, from West Bridgford, said: “We loved it. The atmosphere was great all along and the weather was perfect for it.”
Three generations of the Ellis family also finished their races. Seven members of the family – Geraldine and Paul Ellis, Oliver and Matthew Whelan and Karen, Emily and Rosie Silvester – all completed the mini-marathon, whilst Rachel Whelan took part in the half marathon.
They raised money for Head for Change, which supports former sportsmen and women affected by neurodegenerative disease as a result of their professional careers.
Judith Manson, race director for the Robin Hood Half Marathon, said: “It’s been widely reported that this event can be a challenge and that was the case this year, but it looks amazing and it’s great to be back after two years and have the volunteers back.”
She confirmed that participant numbers were lower than usual, but said that “the smiling faces is what it is all about”.
“The numbers may be a bit lower but the sun is out and people are glad to be back. It’s a great place to do it all,” she added.
The numbers may be a bit lower but the sun is out and people are glad to be back
Judith Manson, race director