After what seems like interminable months of desperately poor and bitterly cold weather the 31st running of the White Horse Half Marathon took place as scheduled yesterday amidst bright sunshine and warm temperatures in Grove, Oxfordshire. This window in the weather (- it appears more poor weather is forecast) encouraged a large of crowd spectators to gather on Pound Green support and welcome the runners home.
This year, pre-race favourite, Paul Fernandez (Abingdon Amblers AC) retained the title he regained last year crosing the line almost a minute ahead of second placed James Bolton with Orlando Corea over two minutes further adrift.
This year's ladies title was won by Kay Walsha (unattached) who led a clean sweep of the podium places by women in the L35 category. Kay crossed the line in 28th place overall almost four minutes ahead of Angela Carpenter (Chichester Runners & AC) with Samantha Usher (Alchester RC) securing third place on the podium over a minute further back.
A full report of the year's can be read here along with a complete list of the corrected results, individual and team prize winners.
As always, we are indebted to all the contributors and volunteers who have once again helped to make this year's race another great success. The race organisers would like to thank the race officials, recorders, sports masseurs, St, John Ambulance, TMS Retford Ltd., HS Sports, Phil O'Connor Photography, and, in particular, every one of our marshals and helpers without whom this event simply could not take place.
In addition, we would like to thank our sponsors Fit2Run once again for their invaluable support. Thanks also go to the Grove and Charney Bassett Parish Councils, the Vale of White Horse District Council, Mably Way Health Centre, Old Mill Hall and Millbrook School for their co-operation, support and use of facilities.
As well as providing funds for the support and development for the athletes of White Horse Harriers AC, this year's race supported The 14 Club, an independent local social club for people with learning disabilities. We would like to thank Tim Pocock for representing The 14 Club and presenting the Open prizes. In addition, thanks go to John Sear for presenting the County prizes and assisting in resolving the results issues.
The next White Horse Half Marathon will take place 10:00am on Sunday, 6th April 2014. As usual the venue will be in Grove, Oxfordshire. Registration for the 2014 race will open at the beginning of October 2013. Online and downloadable entry forms will be available. Please note that this race fills up very quickly. Registration for the 2013 race closed at the beginning of December 2012 having opened a month later than normal at the beginning of October. Entrants wil need to be prompt in registering to avoid disappointment. Any enquiries to the Race Director.
As ever, we are always looking for volunteers to help with marshalling and all the other duties that help to make this race happen. No experience is required and all offers of help will be gratefully accepted! Again please contact the Race Director.
