Half marathon runners brave rain (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Malmesbury half marathon is a huge success

1:00pm Friday 28th September 2012 in News By Liz Day

HUNDREDS of dedicated runners and hoards of supporters braved the wet weather to make the first ever Malmesbury Half Marathon a huge success last Sunday.

Event director James Higgs said he was delighted by the turnout. "It was a brilliant day, despite the downpours. Everyone had a great time and every single runner completed the route, which was very impressive considering the adverse conditions," he said.

Event organisers sold all 500 tickets and 366 entrants arrived to compete on the day despite the weather.

"Some competitors were clearly put off by the inclement weather, but we were amazed by how many people were prepared to brave the wet and the cold," added James. The marathon was won by Garry O’Brien, of the Swindon Harriers running club, who completed the 21.1km route in one hour and 16 minutes. The last runner crossed the finishing line after three hours and eight minutes.

Runners were encouraged to raise money for the Prospect Hospice and the Tetbury-based mobile chemotherapy charity Hope For Tomorrow. "Some individuals raised as much as £600 in sponsorship," said James.

He added the Malmesbury triathlon, half marathon and 10km races have brought more than 1,000 runners to Malmesbury. "We hope to run the half marathon every year. This is a really positive thing for Malmesbury, because it attracts so many people to the town."