The rain fails to dampen the spirits…And a world record is broken!
It’s the Waters Wilmslow Half Marathon
One sure sign that spring is in the air…It’s the Weekend that all runners look forward to…the Waters Wilmslow Half Marathon.
Although the gods were not kind, and with overcast skies, steady rain tried to dampen proceedings, but the runners would have none of it.
First across the line was Mo Abu-Rezeq of Altrincham AC in a time of 66.27. His win was in the hardest of fashions. Although he took the lead very early in the race, he had Matt Bond of Sale H& AC literally breathing down his neck with some 400 metres to go…Anyone’s race! In the end Mo pulled away, winning by 4 seconds. Matt finished second and in a time of 66.31. Third home was Andrew Davies of Stockport H& AC IN 67.31…Or 5.10 mileing to grab third!
First lady home was Fanni Gyurko of Central AC in 78.11.
For the first time in many years pacers were used for a variety of time bands allowing both club and fun runners to work together to get the all so important “Personal Best”!
First Wilmslow runner home was Peter Speake in 75.02, also a pacer for sub 75 minutes. The first Wilmslow lady home was Janine Ellis in 93.11.
Vets awards are highly competitive, and first Vet male home was Rob Affleck of Preston Harriers in 72.25, while first Vet lady was Margaret Beever of Stainland Lions in 84.02.
The Guinness Book of records will also need updating. Shantelle Gaston-Hird ran the entire race backwards reducing the previous world record by some 20 minutes…What a fabulous achievement…and the time? 2 hours 31 minutes…Backwards all of the way!
As always charity is the winner…This year the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Congratulations to all that took part…Thank you also to the marshals.
As always, we appreciate the co-operation of all residents.
The WWHM site will also be updated with pictures
Nick.