Runners enjoyed clear skies and some spring sunshine for the 2016 Waters® Wilmslow Half Marathon which took place this morning (Sunday, 3rd April).
Close to 4,000 runners, of all ages, set off from Kings Road at 10.30am to complete this ever popular half marathon and within 600 metres, as the leaders hit Altrincham Road, a group of three were already twenty yards ahead.
As the country lanes welcomed the mass of runners, eventual winner Josphat Kipkemoi had a strong lead.
Josphat Kipkemoi finished first, crossing the line in a winning time of 64 minutes and 59 seconds, which is just over three minutes off the course record of 61 minutes 52 seconds set by Isaac Macharia back in 2004.
He was cheered down the finish straight by the thousand of supporters, completing the 13.1 mile course over a minute ahead of the next runner.
Second place was not so clear cut and with 300 metres remaining Barnaba Kipkoech and Mohammad Aburezeq were battling for second place and sprinting neck and neck towards the finish line.
It was Barnaba who had the legs finishing second in in a time of 66 minutes and 9 seconds. He was closely followed by Mohammad Aburezeq of Altrincham & District AC in 66 minutes and 18 seconds.
Teresiah Omosa won the women's race and came 24th place overall, recording a time of 74 minutes and 49 seconds, over three minutes behind the ladies course record of 71.24 which was set by Perendis Lekapana of Kenya last year.
Damaris Areba was the second woman to finish in a time of 76 minutes and 45 seconds and Fanni Gyurko was third in 78 minutes and 17 seconds.
The first male home for Wilmslow Running Club was Rob Downs, finishing in 28th place in a time of 75 minutes and 21 seconds and Janine Ellis was the first female home for the Wilmslow Club and 20th in the ladies race with a time of 91 minutes and 3 seconds.
Nick Bishop, Press and Media Officer for the Waters Wilmslow Half Marathon said "Times may be important at the front end but for many of the 3780 finishers it's about making it to the finish and running for their own chosen charities, many of whom will have also have their personal reasons. The main charity this year was The Christie Charitable Fund.
"Race organisers are as ever extremely appreciative to the race sponsors. Waters Wilmslow, Running Bear and Running Imp. Similarly without the support of the running community, there would be no race. The organisers would like to thank all runners, supporters and volunteers who all help to make the day so special...The Waters Wilmslow Half Marathon."
Many thanks to Harry Shakeshaft for photos of the two winners and Lee Calver and Alan Boughton for sending us some great photos taken at the finish line.
Richard Bullock took a video which was filmed at the first major corner on the course - roughly 500m from the start, and shows all the runners.
If you have any good photos of today's race you would like to share email them to [email protected].
The full results for the 2016 Wilmslow Half Marathon are available from TDL Event Services.
