Cheltenham runner David Roper wins Cheltenham's Half Marathon

Race report: Cheltenham's Half Marathon - Sunday, September 7, 2014

Cheltenham Harriers runner David Roper raced home to victory at Cheltenham's Half Marathon, with a time of one hour nine minutes and 25 seconds, in good running conditions. In second place came Graham Rush, also from Cheltenham Harriers, in one hour ten minutes and 36 seconds followed by David Bell from Cirencester Athletics in one hour twelve minutes and two seconds.

Following on from his victory, David Roper said "I had the opportunity to run a number of races this year, but always had my sights set on Cheltenham’s Half Marathon. The town is both my hometown, and also where my running club is based, so it means an awful lot to finish first in the race.

“The conditions were much better than last year, but I still knew I had to get my head down and build up a good lead from Graham before heading in the racecourse to be in with a winning chance. From about five miles onwards, I was out there on my own, and although I did cramp up with half a mile to go, I manage to sustain my lead as I crossed the finish line. I shall definitely be back next year, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how the race grows and develops for Cheltenham in the future.”  

Best women's performances were by Lucy Macalister, from Bristol West AC in one hour 18 minutes and 35 seconds, with Annabel Granger finishing in second in one hour 20 minutes and 32 seconds, and Lucy Walmsley in one hour 26 minutes and 16 seconds taking third.

The local Cheltenham Harriers running club performed exceptionally well in the male race, with four runners placing in the top five overall. There were also three wheelchair racers, with Ed Grazier from Cheltenham taking first place.

2,979 runners started the 13.1 mile race on the day, a substantial increase on last years number of 1,872. The event, which is only in its second year, is proving to be extremely popular with both runners and residents alike. Supporters came out in their thousands to cheer on the towns runners, who embraced the event wholeheartedly and contributed hugely to the fantastic atmosphere that the participants experienced throughout the route.

The race saw hundreds of runners take on the challenge for a number of charitable causes.  Kimberley Robinson, aged 24, and best friend Alex Tomlinson, aged 25, completed the challenge in aid of the Gloucestershire Deaf Association in support of Kimberley’s mum, while Paulina Sainsbury and husband Tom were joined by a team of 22 friends and family members raise vital funds for Olivia's Star Tribute Fund in memory of their daughter.

In addition to the main race, over 200 school children ran a mile as part of the Schools' Challenge, helping to raise money for the race’s regional charity partner Winston’s Wish. The British Heart Foundation also thanked everyone who took part and donated to all of their runners.  

Organisers GO2 were delighted with the turnout and the inspirational crowd support shown by Cheltenham residents. Jamie Warren, Head of Marketing and Commercial, said:  "Congratulations to each and every runner who crossed the line today. People were running for lots of reasons, the atmosphere and support from the crowds was fantastic and we know how much the runners appreciate it. We would also like to make a special thank you to all of volunteers that helped make the day so special. All of our participants should feel extremely proud of what they achieved today, and we hope the events success will inspire many more to sign up for next years event!”

Pre-registration is now open for next year’s race at www.cheltenhamhalf.co.uk, where runners can sign up to be first to hear when entries open

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for full results