Record numbers complete the 2014 Mizuno Reading Half Marathon

Race report: Mizuno Reading Half Marathon - March 2, 2014

More than 14,000 runners took to the streets of Reading at the weekend for the 31st Mizuno Reading Half Marathon. The streets were packed with spectators, creating an incredible atmosphere across the town, with thousands more supporters packed into the Madejski Stadium, treating every runner to a hero’s finish.

Weather conditions were favourable, if a little windy, with rain holding off until mid-afternoon, ensuring the majority of 14,261 runners crossed the finish line in the dry.

The Mayor of Reading, Marian Livingstone, set the runners on their way, weaving from Green Park through the beautiful grounds of Reading University to a finish like no other. Arriving to a roar of 15,000 spectators, the runners sprinted across the finish line in the prestigious Madejski Stadium.

In the men’s race, Scott Overall crossed the line in 1:04:44, closely followed by Nicholas Torry with 1:04:50 and Phil Wicks with 1:04:55. Elite runner and male race winner Scott Overall said: “It was a good race. Phil Wicks was leading for most of it but in the final three quarters of a mile, I really pushed on and took the win. I’ve never taken part in the Reading Half Marathon before. The atmosphere was great.”

In the women’s race, Susan Partridge took 1st place, completing the course in 1:12:20, followed by Tish Jones, with 1:12:56 and Aly Dixon in 3rd with a time of 1:13:09. Elite runner Susan Partridge and female winner of the Mizuno Reading Half Marathon said: “I’m so happy to have won especially because it was the qualifiers for the World Championships Half Marathon today. I truly believe that having confidence in yourself is key for these events and the Mizuno Reading Half Marathon is so unique with its finish in the Madejski stadium, I think everyone should give it a go!”

Nick Pearson, Race Director, describes the event as a huge success:  “Not only did we showcase the country’s best athletes this weekend but we welcomed thousands of newcomers to running community. With 54 athletes crossing the line in under 71 minutes, Reading is one of the most prestigious half marathons in the British running calendar.

“We were pleased to award one of the biggest prize funds ever this weekend. World-class elites battled it out for podium places, recreational runners achieved personal best finish times and fundraisers committed to do their best for their chosen charity raising tens of thousands of pounds to help communities nationwide.

“It was our mission to make the 2014 race meet the highest fundraising Reading Half Marathon ever – from the online pledges to date we are well on track to hitting our target of £1 million for charitable causes and community projects. A fantastic achievement by all!”

Rob Henderson, UK Marketing Manager from headline sponsor Mizuno, adds: “It is an honour to be headline sponsor and we would like to thank all those involved in the organisation of the event and importantly, the people that came out to support our thousands of runners. It’s races like these that will inspire thousands to lace up, get active and join the running community.”

Sue Ryder was the official charity of the 2014 Mizuno Reading Half Marathon.

For further details on this year’s event visit www.readinghalfmarathon.com

Click here for a video of finish line

Click here for interviews with Scott Overall and Susan Partridge

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for full results