Back in the running
RUNNERS from across the country took part in the Wokingham Half Marathon on Sunday.
More than 2,500 people completed the race which featured a new route for 2022, passing through the town centre for the first time since its inception in 1984.
Chris Sumner, organiser of the event, said: “We were really pleased with how the event went this year.
“The new course resulted in an increased number of spectators and it was great to provide something so positive for the people in Wokingham.”
Despite Storm Eunice causing disruption in the week before the race, the route was clear for everyone participating.
Mr Sumner said: “We were lucky with the weather this year as we were originally planning on holding it last weekend but it clashed with another event.
“We pass our thanks to Wokingham Borough Council who had teams out and about to clear any debris on the course.”
Starting and finishing at Cantley House, the route took runners south on Milton Road and into the town centre passing many familiar shops, bars and restaurants on their way.
Following an initial 600 metre climb, participants ran downhill until mile two where the route picked up its regular course on Bell Foundry Lane.
Joshua Close, representing Aldershot, Farnham and District Athletic Club, won the race with a time of 01:06:06, Tom Merson was second with 01:07:05, and Nicholas Torry was third with 01:07:23
Naomi Mitchell, of Reading Athletic Club, was the fastest female with a time of 01:11:53, only 44 seconds slower than the current women’s record held by Liz Yelling.
Second in the women’s race was Becky Briggs with 01:13:51, and third was Kirsteen Welch with 01:14:42.