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Superfit take to the hills to run the rat race!
RUNNERS from throughout the country descended on the historic Peak District village of Eyam yesterday (Sunday) for one of road racing’s toughest events.
A 430-strong field completed the stamina-sapping Eyam Half Marathon which takes competitors on a grueling course involving over more than 1,200 ft of ascent, but with stunning views over five counties.
Conditions were just about perfect and the winning athletes produced excellent times, coming close to the course records.
Over the line first in an excellent time of 1:13:55 was Andrew Thake of Hallamshire Harriers. He was almost a full five minutes ahead of the second-placed unattached athlete David Allinson (1:18:24) with Shaun Dimelow of Penistone Footpath Runners home third in a time of 1:18:42.
Picking up the ladies trophy was Carolyn Hay of Redhill Road Runners who completed the course in a superb time of 1:29:49. She was almost four minutes ahead of Kerrie Wood of Stockport Harriers (1:33:33) with unattached runner Julie Robinson coming home third in 1:34.18.
First local male over the line was Russell Townsend of Eyam who crossed the line in a personal best of 1:37:34 and the first local female was Antonia Hunstone (also of Eyam) in a time of 1:55:22. The first local non-affiliated team was the Hathersage Fat Boys. The first affiliated team was the Hallamshire Harriers, the second was the Penistone Footpath Runners and 3rd were the Redhill Road Runners.
Entries were received for the much loved ‘rat race’ from throughout the UK and those taking up this true test of stamina ranged in age from 17 to 74 years and all needed the water supplied by Vittel who again supported the event..
So did the record numbers who took part in the 1.3 mile fun run who all received certificates signed by England rugby star Jonny Wilkinson.
The event is organized by Eyam Half Marathon Committee, which raises funds for local organizations and cancer charities. Over the last 15 years the committee, made up of local volunteers, has raised a staggering £82,000 and placed the half marathon firmly on the national road running map.
Chairman Steve Brown said: “It never ceases to amaze me how this event captures the imagination of runners and how much good their efforts and ours can do.
“The conditions were just about perfect and we again received a
lot of comments full of praise for the way the event was organized.
“It is a credit and a tribute to the dedication and hard work of those
who work voluntarily all year round to make Eyam Half Marathon the
growing success story it is.”
Full results and images are available on the event website
at www.eyamhalfmarathon.org.uk.
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