Sun shines on runners at Maidenhead Half Marathon

Race report: Maidenhead Half Marathon - Sunday, September 6, 2015

Local families, friends, fundraisers and seasoned athletes laced up their trainers to take part in the Maidenhead Half Marathon on Sunday 6 September, hosted by local Race Organiser Purple Patch Running. There was abundant enthusiasm for the half marathon, as well as the mini and micro marathons, and they did not disappoint!

Maidenhead was blessed with sunshine and the race village atmosphere was incredible, with a fun and energetic musical warm up before the half marathon wheelchair race began at 9.15am. Not long after, over 2,000 half marathon runners gathered, and the start line was alive with energy thanks to Helen Willetts - Broadcast Meteorologist for the BBC. Wishing the runners good luck and counting down from 10, Helen sent runners on their way with tremendous roars from spectators.

10 minutes later at 9.40am, the micro marathon runners (under 7s, under 9s and under 11s) were on their way. Speeding their way around the town centre, the first runner across the finish was Thomas Day, completing the 800 metre distance in 2 minutes 44 seconds. Providing entertainment, as well as support and encouragement was Yorkie, the eight foot mascot of Maidenhead United Football Club, who had flown in for the special occasion. Next up was the mini marathon (under 13s, under 15s and under 17s), and youngsters took the 1 mile route in their stride. First across the Purple Patch Running inflatable finish line was Sebastian Hearn, in an impressive time of 5 minutes, 29 seconds.

Spectators had a short rest and the opportunity to check out the race village, as well as local shops and cafés, before the crowd gathered to cheer in Peter Thompson of Bournemouth Athletics Club - the first half marathon finisher in a remarkable time of 1 hour 10 minutes. The first female to power across the line was Thames Valley Harriers runner Tracy Barlow, achieving a time of 1 hour and 17 minutes, and 16th place overall.

Helen Willetts, Broadcast Meteorologist for the BBC, comments: “The atmosphere here today has been extraordinary. I’d like to say a massive congratulations to each and every runner that took part in the half marathon - their enthusiasm was truly inspiring! I’ve been bowled over by the support from spectators, who cheered each individual runner across the finish line. It was also really refreshing to see so many youngsters take part in the mini and micro marathons, my two girls loved it and are extremely proud of their medals. I’m already looking forward to taking part next year!”  

To mark the fifth anniversary of the race, Race Organiser Purple Patch honored all runners with a gold race medal.  As well as this, those that had taken part for all five years since the race started received an iconic gold race number, enabling them to share their achievements with the supporters out on the course.

Purple Patch Running also provided expert coaching and support for two ‘This Girl Can’ runners, one of whom was local Mum, Anna Trott. She comments: "After reading about the competition I fired off a quick email, as running a half marathon this year was my new year's resolution. I didn't expect that I might actually win and I panicked a little bit when I found out I had! But then I remembered what This Girl Can is about. The only thing stopping me from entering a half marathon was my own self-doubt. I was nervous, but now I’ve completed it I feel so proud. The route was beautiful and it was an unforgettable experience.”

Chris Donald, Race Director, describes the event as a huge success: “I’d like to say a massive congratulations to each and every runner that took part. Every year we are bowled over by participants’ passion, dedication and inspiring attitude towards this event. The sight of runners, young and old, is truly moving and I’d like to add a special thanks to the spectators and sponsors who helped make it such a special atmosphere.”

To see the full list of results from this year’s Maidenhead’s Half Marathon and to sign up for next year’s event, please visit: www.purplepatchrunning.com

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for full results