VIDEO: Hundreds turn out for Retford Half Marathon

More than 1,000 runners and supporters converged on Retford for Sunday's 2016 Retford Half Marathon and Family Fun Run.
Runners at the start line of the Retford Half Marathon. Picture taken by Di Fisher.Runners at the start line of the Retford Half Marathon. Picture taken by Di Fisher.
Runners at the start line of the Retford Half Marathon. Picture taken by Di Fisher.

The Retford Athletics Club event was based at Retford Oaks Academy once again and attracted local runners, as well as many from across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and other parts of the country.

In perfect conditions almost 700 runners completed the Half Marathon, while over 100 children and adults took part in the family fun run which was held in the grounds of Retford Oaks.

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The large turnout was once again good news for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice who received a donation from each half marathon entry and had many runners raising sponsorship for them.

Runners at the start line of the Retford Half Marathon. Picture taken by Di Fisher.Runners at the start line of the Retford Half Marathon. Picture taken by Di Fisher.
Runners at the start line of the Retford Half Marathon. Picture taken by Di Fisher.

The men’s race was won by Gareth Lowe from Clowne Road Runners in a new course record of 01:10:16 (gun time). The ladies race was won by Jenny Blizard in a time of 01:24:07 (gun time).

First Retford runner home was Ben Harris, who put in an impressive performance to finish fourth in a time of 01:14:59 (gun time), with Tammy Haywood finishing as first Retford lady in 01:49:21 (gun time). Race Director, David Corbett, from Retford Athletic Club said: “We were delighted again by the large turnout.

“The half marathon sold out for the third year running, and despite increasing the capacity for this year’s race, the demand for places was so high that we had to close entries earlier than last year.”

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The weather was even better than 2015 which made for great conditions for the race.

Runners at the start line of the Retford Half Marathon. Picture taken by Di Fisher.Runners at the start line of the Retford Half Marathon. Picture taken by Di Fisher.
Runners at the start line of the Retford Half Marathon. Picture taken by Di Fisher.

“Everything ran smoothly and our team of over 100 volunteers, including junior leaders from Retford schools, volunteers from Bluebell Wood and Bassetlaw Hospice, and members and friends of Retford AC and other local clubs did an amazing job.

“Feedback from runners and supporters has been extremely positive, particularly about the support on the route. We would like to thank local businesses and residents for their support, particularly those that were affected by the additional traffic management arrangements which were introduced to improve safety for runners and other road users,” he added.

Corbett also thanked hosts Retford Oaks and Barnsley Premier Leisure, and sponsors Broomwagon Vélo, Lynx Blackbelt Leadership Academy, Houseproud, Greencore Food To Go, Metres to Miles, Ye Olde Bell, Robin Hood Direct, Wilkinson’s Stores Ltd, Blizard Physiotherapy, and Cooke and Mason, along with event partners including TMS Traffic Management, UK Timing, Mick Hall Photography, Retford Business Forum and British Red Cross.

WINNERS

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1st Male - Gareth Lowe M40 Clowne Road Runners Club 01:10:16 (01:10:16); 1st Male 20 and under - Huw Robinson M J 01:45:19 (01:45:28); M40 - Mark Gray M40 Steel City Striders RC 01:17:05 (01:17:05); M50 - Chris Ireland M50 Sheffield RC 01:18:34 (01:18:35); M60 - Barry Gyte M60 Steel City Striders RC 01:29:28 (01:29:35); M70 - Jack Cowlishaw M70+ 01:53:46 (01:53:51); 1st Lady - Jenny Blizard F35 01:24:06 (01:24:07); 1st Lady 20 and under - Katie Freestone FJ 01:40:13 (01:40:37); F35 - Lisa Skinner F35 Barnsley Athletic Club 01:28:09 (01:28:14); F45 - Karen Waterhouse F45 Mansfield Harriers 01:37:58 (01:38:07); F55 - Angela Freemantle F55 Sleaford Town Runners 01:49:33 (01:49:59).