Bristol Half Marathon attracts record runners
A record-breaking 16,177 people entered the 21st Bristol Half Marathon, which organisers described as an "amazing" event.
The number of entrants topped last year's figure of 16,049 and yesterday's race even saw a Bristolian storm across the finishing line to win the women's race.
-
Thousands of people lined the city's streets to cheer encouragement to runners of all shapes and sizes around the 13.1-mile route. Some ran for themselves, a great many ran for charity and the more extrovert donned fancy dress and hurtled round as smurfs, gorillas, bananas and nuns.
Famous faces included Holby City actress Phoebe Thomas, 26, of North London, who finished in a time of one hour, 37 minutes.
She said: "I did this just off the back of swine flu and I'm really pleased.
"Training was pretty difficult but I managed some lunchtimes and afternoons."
Athlete Nick Rose, 57, of Stoke Bishop, is British half marathon record holder, having set a blistering time of 61 minutes, three seconds.
Encouraging the runners home at the finish line, he said: "I've been there and done it and I admire them. I admire the causes they're running for as well.
"I think it's great Bristol can put on an event like this."
Many roads were closed and traffic was diverted to allow the runners to thread through the city streets.
The start and finish was in Anchor Road and crowds congregated at several "cheer points" along the route including points at Castle Park, The Centre, Prince Street Bridge, Sylvan Way and Cumberland Basin.
Millennium Square was a hive of activity, as runners proudly donning finisher's medals recuperated with their friends and families and viewed those still running on a giant screen.
Kenyan Ezekiel Cherop blazed a trail to win the event but it was a Bristolian who led the women home.
Coventry-based Cherop, aged 24, from Nairobi, crossed the finishing line in 63:20 minutes. Women's race winner Claire Hallissey, 26, of Lawrence Hill, finished the 13.1-mile course in a personal best time of 72 minutes.
Shortly after he crossed the line, professional runner Mr Cherop told the Bristol Evening Post: "I feel good. The course was very good and I had no problems. This is a wonderful race, I enjoyed it."
A delighted Miss Hallissey achieved her goal of finishing in under 73 minutes.
She has now qualified to take part in the World Half Marathon, in October, in Birmingham. She beamed: "I can't complain, I really enjoyed it and it felt really good. This is the first time I've won; I was second in the Bristol 10K earlier this year."
The wheelchair race was won by David Cooke in a time of one hour, 21 minutes and 50 seconds.
The event also marked the launch of the Bristol 10K race, which will take place in the city next spring.
Georgette Van Hoof, race organiser, said: "It has been absolutely amazing.
"With over 16,000 entries and thousands more watching, the 2009 Bristol Half Marathon must be the biggest sporting event seen in the region this year.
"I'm delighted the race is attracting a bigger and bigger field every year; it goes to show the race's legacy for the city and sport.
"We are seeing more amateurs and first-time runners being inspired to train for the half marathon.
"And for those not quite up to 13 miles there's the 10K race next year.
"I'd like to thank all our volunteer marshals and all the people who work behind the scenes to make the Bristol Half Marathon such a success."
35 Comments
View all
by Chuck2011
Tuesday, September 13 2011, 3:45PM
“This was my first half marathon (age 46!) and I would just like to say a huge 'Thank you' to all the people who took the time to line the route, clapping cheering and chanting all the runners as we passed. It doesn't matter if they are cheering for a particular team or individual, It really does help lift the spirit and keep you moving and is very much appreciated.
It was a terrific atmosphere and a great event.
Sadly there was the terrible tragedy of the runner that died.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
by John, Bristol
Tuesday, September 08 2009, 5:30AM
“Tell you what I did google, Sally, is Dr Roger Sandling. And he doens't seem to exist! How sad that someone would come on pretending to be a doctor, to say that running is bad for you. THat's pretty pathetic, even by the standards of some of the loons who come on these pages.
Well done everyone, and I hope the first-timers aren't put off too much by the aches and pains, and will come back next year. (and just to give Colin some notice, there will be road closures next year on the first Sunday of September, for the 2010 half marathon)”
by phil mad house 2009, Bristol
Tuesday, September 08 2009, 1:13AM
“WELL DONE TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO RAN FOR THIS EVENT. TO ALL THE MOANERS WHO SAY IT WAS NOT SIGN POSTED/ADVERTISED ETC WELL IT WAS IT HAS BEEN ON THE NEWS FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS IN PAPERS BILL BOARDS WEBSITES... OH I FORGOT YOU ARE ALLWAYS ON YOU MOBILES WHILST DRIVING ON DON'T SEE THE ROAD SIGNS WITH ALL THE DETAIL...
AND NOT THAT IF YOU LIVE IN BRISTOL YOU SHOULD KNOW BY NOW THAT THIS IS A YEARLY EVENT AND THOS WHO LIVE OUT SIDE OF BRISTOL SHOULD BE CHECKING FOR EVENTS ETC (PLAN YOUR JOUIRNEY) OH I FORGOT YOU HAVE NOT GOT COMMON SENSE.... SO PLEASE CRAWL BACK INTO YOURE HOLE THAT YOU CAM OUT FROM....”
by a happy person, bristol
Monday, September 07 2009, 9:27PM
“Here we go.....another day, another story & the usual bunch of moany old armchair critics crawl out of their holes...
I am very proud of my husband who ran his first (and last!) half marathon yesterday, finished somewhere near the back, aches like nothing he's ever known but is elated to have done something he never thought he could have achieved. He chose to raise money for charity because he wants to give something to others instead of sitting on his a*se like some who only seem capable of negativity & self centered views.
Well done to all those who took ppart for whatever reason - it was a great experience!”
by The Northsider, Gas Lane
Monday, September 07 2009, 6:07PM
“I agree with Bagpuss (Bizarre). The runs are always publicised, i never attempt to use the car on these days or when the balloon festival, the late ashton court festival etc are on.”
by Anon, Bristol
Monday, September 07 2009, 5:57PM
“Robin,
People run the marathon for sense of acheivement and at the same time, raise money for charity instead of just 'putting their hands in their pockets'. I think that it is quite sad that you have to moan about such an event which you clearly are too lazy and ignorant to participate in yourself.
I watched for the first time this year and the atmosphere was amazing and would definitly watch again. I am also a driver and have never found problems with road closures and I live in the centre of town.
This is a good event and you should praise people for doing something good instead of critisising.”
by martyn thame, bristol
Monday, September 07 2009, 5:38PM
“yes malc i did make it i thought it was 26 miles and kept on running i turned round at weston had a traumatic experience by the docks some mad woman waiving flags jumped out in front of me i think it was your sister”
by Bagpuss, At work
Monday, September 07 2009, 3:34PM
“Well done to everyone who took part. I saw many happy if not weary faces as I walked into town yesterday.
In response to some comments about lack of notice of road closures - I have to disagree - there have been big yellow boards up for weeks saying of road closures on this day, with a telephone number to find out more information if you wanted it.
I would love to be able to run and compete in a half marathon, but unfortunately arthritis prevents me - but I am happy for all those who must have a sense of achievement.”
by Garf, Bristol
Monday, September 07 2009, 3:07PM
“so cycling is bad cos legs werent meant to be pistons, running is bad due to impact damage to joints, pigs are bad for us : how about recession induced financial stress, or sitting for hours at a time staring at a glass screen, with say 6-10 breaks throughout the day for ingestion of cancer causing chemicals (not me) perhaps the good doctor could put in worst to least-worst order,
thank you (then perhaps the govt should ban the worst practices?!?!)”
by Fat Drunken Git, Still In Bed
Monday, September 07 2009, 2:50PM
“I was at home sinking 14 pints of lager and a couple of curries whilst listening to the Grateful Dead. Otherwise I would have been there. There always seems something better to do when these marathons are run.
Nice to hear the so called celebrities like Phoebe Thomas managed to complete the run 'despite having been pronounced dead' twice the night before.”