Following yesterday's rain we couldn't have wished for a better day for the Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley Bypass Run and Walk.
About 900 runners took part in the 5 mile road race this morning, raising over £8000 from the entry fees alone. In addition, thousands of pounds will have been raised by participants who collected sponsorship for their chosen charities.
The atmosphere was fantastic this morning as the crowds gathered for this unique event, and whilst we waited entertainment was provided by the Alderley District Scout Band. Village traders had stalls at either end of the bypass to provide refreshments, for both the runners and walkers, and Imagine FM were broadcasting live from the southern end.
The race winner was Ryan Holroyd, from Staffordshire Moorlands AC, who is destined to be a star of the future and completed the 5 miles in a very impressive time of 26 minutes and 26 seconds. He was followed by Stuart Doyle from Vale Royal AC in 27 minutes and 2 seconds and Mat Bigley from Macclesfield Harriers in 27 minutes and 4 seconds.
The first lady past the post was Christine Howard from Matlock AC with a time of 29 minutes and 50 seconds, followed in second place by Sharleen Hollinshead from Cheadle RC in thirty minutes and thirty nine seconds and Kath Lamplugh from Macclesfield Harriers was third with a time of 32 minutes and 1 second.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first ever road race and whilst running will not become a hobby of mine I was delighted to complete the race in 36 minutes and 56 seconds. Click here for the full race results.
This afternoon we caught the bus down to the northern end for the walk, the village was bustling and the atmosphere on the bypass was wonderful, as thousands of people had taken the opportunity to see the new road before it opens to traffic on November 19th.
I would like to congratulate the organisers: Alan Clarke from Nether Alderley Parish Council, Andrew Henshall from Alderley Edge Rotary Club, Malcolm Fowler from Wilmslow Running Club, Amy Willis from Seashell Trust, Sheila Hallas from the Combined Charities Christmas Shops, Wendy Harkin at Birse Civils, Doug Mackie at Cheshire East, Laurie Oatway of Wilmslow Lions, Mitch Gilbert from Alderley Trader's Association and all the other helpers who worked tirelessly to make today such a huge success. They did a wonderful job and enabled thousands of local people to not only mark this important occasion but raise a lot of money for charity.
In addition to the photos displayed above, if you would like to view a more extensive, full screen slideshow click here to view our collection on flickr.
We will be also be publishing further articles about the Bypass Run and Walk this week, with aerial photographs and information about how much money raised.
If you took part in the run or walk today we hope you enjoyed it and please do share your experiences and views on the bypass event via the comment box below. If you have any good photos you would like to share please email them to us at media@alderleyedge.com.
