1,200 hit the streets to run Rochdale

The inaugural Rochdale Half Marathon gets under way

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Over 1,200 runners from across the borough and from far and wide, took part in the inaugural Rochdale Half Marathon, 10k and fun run event.

Officially started by the Mayor, Surinder Biant, the event saw runners on their marks at the Town Hall and set out on traffic-free courses taking in town and countryside.

The Half Marathon was won in a very close contest by Dave Archer in a time of 1:13:09. Speaking to Rochdale Online, Dave said: “I am delighted to have come first. It was a tough race towards the end and was really close. It has been a good event.”

The top five runners:

1. Dave Archer – 01:13:09
2. Nathan Kilcourse – 01.13.11
3. Dave Norman – 01:13:12
4. Andrew Challenger – 01:14:26
5. Stuart Sharp – 01:14:57

Second place runner, Nathan Kilcourse said: “I am from Failsworth so I wanted to come along and do a local race because it is not too far for me to come. It was a good course and was really, really close at the end.”

Third place runner Dave Norman said: “I only signed up to take part yesterday (Saturday 22 August) so I am glad that I came along and am happy to have come third. It was a tough course at times and it was a bit windy but overall it was good.”

The first female runner to complete the half marathon was Hayley Kuter in a time of 1:24:02.

Joe Bailey won the 10K race in a time of 32:02. Speaking to Rochdale Online, Joe said: “I am feeling brilliant. It has been a good event and I hope it gets bigger and continues.”

The top five runners:

1. Joe Bailey – 32:02
2. Tesfaye Debeie – 33:20
3. Daniel Balshaw – 35:29
4. Bill McCartney – 36:13
5. Phillip Bennett - 37:18

Second place runner Tesfaye Debeie said: “It was a nice run. It was a bit windy at times, but it was good. I enjoyed it and it was nice to have people cheering us along.”

The first female runner to complete the 10k race was Kirsty Johnson in 41:27.

Kabwende Innocent won the fun run in a time of 6:01.

The top five runners:

1. Kabwende Innocent – 6:01
2. Rosangela Terim – 6:02
3. Mohammed Kashif – 6:03
4. Charlie Rowlands-Whiteoak – 6:05
5. William Rowlands-Whiteoak – 6:32

Spectators came out to line many parts of the routes and on The Esplanade there was a ‘Sports Village’ featuring sports, fitness and health stalls.

Main event sponsor Williams BMW Rochdale had an eye-catching presence on The Esplanade as they displayed their latest collection of prestige motors including the i8 - a beautiful plug-in hybrid sports car.

Tony Crolla, Head of Business at Williams BMW Rochdale, said: “What a fantastic day. We are keen to support major events in the borough and value the contribution they make to our local economy. As a locally-based business, we were very proud to be part of this wonderful event and hope it can continue for many years.”

Councillor Janet Emsley, Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, who took part in the fun run, said: “Today we’ve managed to attract runners from across Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, Cheshire and beyond as well as many from our borough.

“The atmosphere was buzzing, with spectators providing much needed encouragement along the route. Residents showed tremendous support and I would like to thank the public for their cooperation during the disruption caused by the morning’s road closures.

“The event was made possible by the support of many local people, businesses and groups. Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly on the day, along the route and in the sports village. We are hoping this event grows each year and are already looking ahead to 2016.”

Council Leader Richard Farnell said: “Rochdale has gone running crazy over the last few weeks with lots of training sessions and preparation taking place. On behalf of all of the charities who will benefit financially from today, thank you. Events such as these make such a difference in raising much needed funds for valuable causes.”

The event was staged by Rochdale Borough Council in partnership with race organiser Cannonball Events and sponsored by Williams Rochdale BMW.

Full results

Half marathon: 
http://wildboar.racetecresults.com/Results.aspx?CId=16349&RId=15102&EId=3

10k run: 
http://wildboar.racetecresults.com/Results.aspx?CId=16349&RId=15102&EId=2

Fun run: 
http://wildboar.racetecresults.com/Results.aspx?CId=16349&RId=15102&EId=1