Sun shines on city’s first marathon

Buy photos » Nathan Shrubb was the first home as he won the half marathon in front of Black Pear Joggers runner Darren Sailsbury. (s)

MORE than a 1,000 runners and fund-raisers from across the country came together to take part in a successful first staging of the Worcester marathon and half marathon.

Hundreds completed the course on Sunday (April 15), which took competitors through the Worcestershire villages of Oddingley, Himbleton and Tibberton before returning to a warm welcome at Sixways Stadium.

First home in the half marathon was Nathan Shrubb with an impressive 1.13.42, shortly followed by local club runner Darren Sailsbury, of Black Pear Joggers in 1.15.08.

Meanwhile, for those taking on the full distance, which included another gruelling lap and an extra section towards Grafton Flyford to make up the 26.2miles, Andy Norris took top prize in 2.55.22.

The event, organised by Threshold Events, also witnessed hundreds of runners collect sponsorship for various charities, including official race charity St Richard’s Hospice.

Race director Rob Minton said: “It has been a fantastic event. The sun shone for us and with over 1,000 runners taking part, it just goes to show what Worcester has been missing. We’re also delighted to have worked with St Richard’s Hospice and are confident the race will have helped raised valuable funds for a very worthy cause.”

Tricia Cavell, fund-raising director at St Richard’s Hospice, added: “We are delighted to be the charity partners of the Worcester marathon and half marathon and have raised, with the help of those collecting sponsorship and our sponsors, in excess of £5,000.”

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