Robin Hood take over Nottingham in thousands

Race results: Ikano Robin Hood Marathon - September 29, 2013

With Robin Hood, Maid Marian and Friar Tuck in tow, 9,181 runners laced up their trainers and took to the streets of Nottingham yesterday for the Ikano Robin Hood Half, Full and Mini Marathon.

University Boulevard and Victoria Embankment was transformed into a festival of medieval folklore as runners of all ages and abilities took to the fast and flowing course. The Sheriff of Nottingham Cllr Ian Malcolm, Lady Mayoress Cllr Merlita Bryan, and double Paralympic gold medal winner, Richard Whitehead officially kicked off the festivities on Sunday.

6,585 runners took on the half marathon. Aaron Scott, from Notts Athletics Club, was crowned winner of the men’s half marathon with a course time of 1:06:54. Top position in the female category was awarded to Kenyan, Polline Wanjiku Njeru crossing the line in 1:16:10.

The new 26.2 mile marathon course hosted 918 runners with first place in the men’s event awarded to Neil Renault crossing the line in 2:27:08. This year’s female winner was Melissa Pritchard in a time of 2:59:15. Melissa says: “The race was fantastic! Brilliant support along the course, I’m so pleased to have won. I’ve been running for 20 years and this is one of the best scenic, fast and flat courses I’ve run.”

1,534 families and school children took part in the 1.5 mile Ikano Robin Hood Mini Marathon. In a gun time of 10:10, the winner of the fun run was Daniel Carter, Abbey Road Primary School. Lizzie Edge, fellow Abbey Road student, led the girls’ pack with a winning time of 10:39. Charlie, aged 6 from West Bridgford Infants School ran the race with his best friend Sam, 6 ½, and Dad, Robin, 37. “I loved it, it was so cool to run with my best friend Sam, he’s the fastest in our class, but I did beat my Dad! I want to come back next year and win it.”

Race organiser, Sweatshop, had set its sights on a new record for the largest number of runners in Robin Hood fancy dress costume. And that they did - Robin Hood stole the show with over 500 runners donning the heroic outlaw’s green robe.

Vivienne Saunders, from headline sponsor Ikano says:  “Once again runners in their thousands and their hoards of supporters lit up our city yesterday. Not only did we witness seasoned runners achieving new personal bests but hundreds of newcomers, of all ages, have been welcomed to the running community. The race village was alive with activity and celebratory cheers as families congratulated their loved ones crossing the finish line - it really was an inspirational day. We are extremely proud to be the headline sponsor of this event in Nottingham.”

Nick Pearson, Managing Director of Sweatshop, says: “Congratulations to all that took part this weekend. I’m really pleased that the event was the biggest it’s been for 5 years.

“We’re keen to ensure there is a unique character to the race that reflects Nottingham and continue to encourage more and more people to run in Robin Hood costumes.  I’d like to build towards a time when half the field will be running in a Robin Hood outfit!

“The charity element of the race is incredibly important and it’s always so moving to see thousands of amazing people pushing themselves with huge physical challenges to raise money for good causes.  We hope that our participants will have raised over half a million pounds for various charities and that’s something we should all feel very proud about.  It’s such a joyous atmosphere in the race village and it’s been phenomenal doing it all again.

“I’m so grateful to Richard Whitehead for coming along this morning to start the race. He is an incredible inspiration with his awesome achievements – a true local hero.”

“Our thanks also extend to the Sheriff and Lady Mayoress, our charity partners, our volunteer Race Makers and of course our courageous runners. We look forward to seeing you all next year!

For further details on this year’s event and race results visit www.robinhoodhalfmarathon.co.uk

Photos: Marathon winners Melissa Pritchard and Neil Renault

Men's half marathon results

Women's half marathon results

Men's marathon results

Women's marathon results

Click here for full results