Ikano Robin Hood Marathon and Half Marathon takes Nottingham by storm

Race report: 35th Ikano Robin Hood Half, Full and Mini Marathon - September 27, 2015

Sunday’s 35th Ikano Robin Hood Half, Full and Mini Marathon saw over 10,000 runners take to the streets of Nottingham. With a new and improved 2015 route developed by race organiser Sweatshop and Nottingham City Council, runners were treated to the iconic sights of the city, bringing back some old favourites whilst keeping the picturesque start and finish line next to the River Trent.

Richard Whitehead MBE, 200m T42 Paralympic Champion and Marathon World Record Holder, on behalf of Ikano Bank wished wheelchair racers good luck and sent them on their way at 9.25, followed by half and full marathon runners at 9.30. He commented: “It is great to be part of such a fantastic event on my doorstep and I always enjoy the opportunity to show the athletes taking part my support. I had the chance to speak to some of the runners the night before and shared some of my own top tips so hopefully they took advantage of that. The atmosphere was brilliant throughout the race and I enjoyed being part of such a successful day.”

Morris Muene Gachaga was crowned champion of the men’s half marathon race in a time of 1 hour, 2 minutes and 34 seconds and fellow countryman Vincent Boit was runner up who finished not far behind with a race time of 1 hour, 2 minutes and 36 seconds. Gachaga commented: “It was a tough race and very competitive towards the end, I’m pleased to have crossed the finish line first as I found the weather conditions tricky.”

Sharon Barlow took the title of the women’s half marathon race with a time of 1 hour, 19 minutes and 32 seconds. The Ripon Runner athlete raved about the energetic crowds and was ready on the finish line to embrace third place finalist Tori Green who is not only her teammate but next door neighbour too. Second position went to Eleanor Fowler, from Nuneaton Harriers with a race time of 1 hour, 20 minutes and 7 seconds.

There were 1,238 marathon runners tackling the 26.2 mile route and the men’s event was won by Christopher Zablocki who crossed the line in 2 hours, 24 minutes, 21 seconds accompanied by rapturous support across the Victoria Embankment. The women’s marathon was won by Sarah Davis-Foxon of Northampton Road Runners in a race time of 3 hours, 3 minutes, 51 seconds who said: “I did this event last year and came back purely because of the amazing crowds it attracts, the locals really fill the streets with smiles and noise which makes the event so much more enjoyable!”

The new route proved to be a success and provided picturesque viewing for the runners including more of Nottingham’s landmarks than ever before. The race started in traditional fashion at Victoria Embankment and runners were then taken past the city’s magnificent 17th century medieval castle as they approached the second mile marker. Other stunning sights on route to comfort runners into their dedicated 13.1 mile or 26.2 mile journey were Colwick Park, Nottingham University Jubilee Campus, Wollaton Park and the Market Square in the city centre where an immense display of spectator support was seen to push runners to their mighty finish at the Race Village.

Judith Manson, from race organiser Sweatshop, comments: “Once again the city of Nottingham has demonstrated how to host such a magnificent event. We’ve had great feedback on the new-look course from participants and spectators alike, so I’d like to congratulate all the volunteers, onlookers and of course the record number of runners themselves for contributing to such an exhilarating day!

“We would also like to thank all of our event partners and sponsors who without them such an event would not be possible. We cannot wait to return to Nottingham in 2016 where we hope the event will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Craig Fiddes, from headline sponsor Ikano Bank presented some of the Ikano Robin Hood Marathon awards and comments: “Yesterday was fantastic and I felt honored to present the fastest athletes with their accolades. The atmosphere was infectious and I couldn’t stop smiling. We at Ikano feel extremely privileged to sponsor this event and already looking forward to next year’s event!”

*Race times given as by gun time.

For full event information visit www.robinhoodhalfmarathon.co.uk

Men's half marathon results

Women's half marathon results

Men's marathon results

Women's marathon results

Click here for full results