Thousands compete in Plymouth Half Marathon
Runners were greeted with glorious weather at Plymouth’s Half Marathon today, with 3,944 participants taking to the iconic startline on The Hoe.
Lined with thousands of supporters, the race was started by local fundraiser Steve Turner, who also took on his record breaking twentieth consecutive run at Plymouth’s Half Marathon 2015.
Kairn Stone from Newham and Essex Beagles was crowned the winner of Plymouth’s Half Marathon, with a time of one hour nine minutes and 47 seconds, in perfect conditions. In second place came Neil Eddy from Mounts Bay Harriers in one hour 14 minutes and 40 seconds, followed by Tamar Trotters Jacob Landers in one hour 15 minutes and 22 seconds.
Top women's performances were from Hale Runners Emma Schuck in one hour 21 minutes and 52 seconds, with Annabel Granger from Bristol and West AC finishing second in one hour 22 minutes and 45 seconds, and Rebecca Mingo from Bere Alston Trekkers taking third in one hour 27 minutes and 22 seconds.
Over 2,600 local school pupils also completed their own collective half marathon distance, taking on the final mile of the Schools’ Challenge directly after the start of the main race. As part of the event, all young runners helped to raise vital funds for CLIC Sargent in the South West, the cancer charity for children and young people.
Jamie Warren, from the race organiser GO2, said: "Congratulations to each and every runner who crossed the line today! We are delighted with the turnout and the inspirational crowd support shown by Plymouth residents today, not just along The Hoe, but throughout streets of the entire route.
“Runners were treated to some of the best weather conditions the race has seen, which always has a huge impact on the race day atmosphere and the number of people that come out to celebrate the collective achievements of all who take part. All of our participants, from the elites to those first timers, should feel extremely proud of their achievements. We hope the events success will inspire many more to sign up for next years event!”
Official charity partners for the race, Macmillan Cancer Research and Children’s Hospice South West, thanked everyone who took part and who donated to their runners. In addition to the race partners, thousands of people took part in todays event to help fundraise for many more charities close to their hearts. Steve Gill completed his year long challenge for RNLI, running his 52nd half marathon in as many weeks, and Plymouth Parnells Gaelic football club broke a world record by kicking a ball from toe to hand over 40,000 times collectively along the 13.1 mile route, in aid of St Luke's Hospice.
If you feel inspired by this years race, pre-registration is now open for next year’s race at www.plymouthhalfmarathon.com.
