Thousands of runners braved the hot temperatures to take part in the 2018 Waters® Wilmslow Half Marathon on Sunday, 24th June.
The sky was blue and without a cloud in sight as the runners, of all ages, set off from Kings Road at 10.30am to complete in this ever popular half marathon, which normally takes place in much cooler conditions in March but had to be re-scheduled due to snow.
The early pacemaker, and building a commanding lead, was last year's winner Mohammad Abu-Rezeq from Altrincham & District AC who passed 10k in 30.43 and went on to cross the line first in a winning time of 66 minutes and 44 seconds. This was the third time Abu-Rezeq has taken the men's title having also won the Waters® Wilmslow Half Marathon in 2014. He also came third in 2016.
Mohammad was followed by James Douglas from Border Harriers AC who completed the 13.1 mile course in 69 minutes and 4 seconds. Whilst third place went to Danny Hallam of Wreake & Soar Valley with a time of 70 minutes and 1 second.
Winner Mohammad Aburezeq is £1250 better off for winning the race but the bonus of £500 for beating the course record, of 61 minutes and 52 seconds set by Isaac Macharia from Kenya back in 2004, was never threatened.
Sarah Lowery of Rotherham Harriers AC won the women's race and came 50th place overall, recording a time of 80 minutes and 9 seconds.
Gemma Connolly of St. Helens Sutton AC was the second woman to finish in a time of 82 minutes and 7 seconds and Katherine Wood of Sale Harriers was third in 82 minutes and 13 seconds.
The first male home for Wilmslow Running Club was Dan Bundred, finishing in 66th place in a time of 83 minutes and Diane McVey was the first female home for the Wilmslow Club and 4th in the ladies race with a time of 83 minutes and 48 seconds.
A spokesperson for Wilmslow Running Club said "Thanks to all of our runners, marshals, volunteers and local communities for all your support in helping us achieve another successful Waters Wilmslow Half Marathon."
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 2018 Wilmslow Half Marathon are available from TDL Event Services.
Photos: Courtesy of Mick Hall Photos.
