Record Breaking At Redcar

14 JUN2010

Sunday's rain did little to dampen the spirit of 1400 racers who crossed the finish line at this year's Start Fitness Redcar Half Marathon. This year's event was the best year ever, including a new record from elite athlete, Kenyan, Kiplimo Kimutai, being the fastest to break the ribbon in the event's 28 year history at 62:07.

Runners travelled from all over the UK to take part in Redcar's premier sporting event which was organised by Tees Valley Leisure in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. Other world class athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia also flew in for the race and despite the rain; thousands of spectators lined the new half marathon route which started at The Stray in Redcar, to cheer on the runners.

The winner of the women's race was Jennie Blizard who finished the course in 1:18. Finishing the ace was Sharon Smith in 4:41:52 and the mid-point runner was Trevor Skeen with a time of 1:52:06.

Redcar and Cleveland's newly elected Mayor, Councillor Ray Goddard congratulated the winners and said, "This has been a fantastic event - the new route has been a great success and we hope to make the event even bigger and better next year. Today's event attracted entrants of all ages, some of whom donned fancy dress outfits which certainly brightened up a rainy day. "

Event organiser and managing director of Tees Valley Leisure, Paddy Corcoran said, "The Redcar Half Marathon has established itself as one of the UK's premier sporting events and is a fantastic showcase for Redcar and Cleveland.

"This year, we tried a new route starting from the Stray in Redcar, which with its scenic seafront position, not only provided the perfect setting for the race, but has attracted thousands of people into the heart of Redcar. The new route is a very fast course as shown by the winner's time and has huge potential to attract even more of the world's fastest athletes next year.

"The event has always been a big hit with club runners who aim for their personal bests, and also for the many fun runners who have raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The atmosphere at The Stray was terrific and despite the rain, spectators came out in their droves to line the 13.1 mile new seaside route and to encourage the Family Fun runners in the one km fun run which accompanied the main event.