It wasn’t the fast times (although they were impressive) and the amount of Nike Next % shoes that impressed us at Fast Running, but the biggest improvement made on the day by Virgin Sport, making the race plastic bottle free.

Virgin Sport has successfully eliminated 500,000 single-use plastic bottles from the routes of its three UK races (Hackney Half, ASICS London 10K and Oxford Half) and replaced over 25,000 plastic kit bags with long-life natural cotton tote bags.

It’s great to see a bigger race company like Virgin Sport taking such a progressive step towards making their races more sustainable. Using recycle-able cups at all of their checkpoints didn’t stop anyone running personal bests and makes a big different on the impact the race has on the environment.

Do you need that t-shirt?

As one of the questions ReRun Clothing ask is whether we need finishers t-shirts so we asked and they were interested to hear about ReRun’s work. They did say that sister race “ASICS London 10K finisher’s t-shirts were made using recycled PET bottles. One of ASICS’ projects that also includes collecting used gear and partnering with organisations such as Worn Again to support technical development and scale up the recycling of used textiles into new textiles.

We like the move Manchester Half took by removing the race finishers t-shirt and explaining why on their website here. After having “wastage of over 100kg of leftover t-shirts [in 2018] heading off with no owner isn’t something we were comfortable with.”

That’s 12,000 plastic t-shirts removed from the equation by Manchester Half and 500,000 single-use plastic bottles removed by Virgin Sport. It’s great to see races being proactive and making a difference. Keep up the good work.

RELATED: ReRun Clothing ask “Do you need that race t-shirt?”

The Oxford Half itself and what the winners said

The 2019 Oxford Half male winner Alex Milne ran in just 01:07:31. “This my third time racing the Oxford Half. I finished second here twice before so really pleased to come back and get the win! It’s a great course. Amazing for PB’s. I’ve run a personal best on this route twice now.”

Stephanie Davis completed the course in 01:12:58 for the women’s win, a fantastic result and PB for the 2:32:38 marathoner. It will be exciting to see to how this improvement can translate to the 26.2 mile distance for Davis.

“I won the Hackney Half two years ago. I’m so pleased to have won Virgin Sport’s two half marathon races! Thank you to everyone that came to support us, it was a huge boost especially in this weather.”

Women’s winner Stephanie Davis

Charity efforts

Cara Waller, Events Manager, Sobell House Hospice Charity, said: “This year we’ve had an amazing response with over 400 runners taking part for Sobell House. Collectively they have so far raised an incredible £50,000 which will go towards caring for people in Oxfordshire with a life- limiting illness.”

Joshua Sowerbutts, Running Events Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We have been blown away by volume of interest we have received for this event. This year we have seen our team double and are looking to exceed our target of £50,000.”

Jessica Frey, CEO, Virgin Sport, said: “Thank you to all the local spectators, vendors and businesses that supported us – it’s the community spirit in Oxfordshire that makes today a very special event in our calendar. The 2019 edition of the Oxford Half Marathon was the most sustainable to date and had the biggest charitable impact with double the number of charity runners and partners from 2018.”

The Oxford Half was the third event produced by Virgin Sport in 2019 following the sell-out Hackney Half Marathon on 19th May, and ASICS London 10K that took place on 21st July.

If you want to find out more then visit the Rerun Website or follow them on Instagram for good times and knowledge, all in one account.

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The post Progressive steps from Oxford & Manchester half marathons appeared first on Fast Running.

British athletes Luke Traynor and Andy Vernon head the elite men’s field for the Manchester Half Marathon on Sunday, October 14.

There is an intriguing competition emerging in the forthcoming Manchester Half Marathon, as the event has already attracted two of the UK’s top male runners.

Traynor is returning to defend his title after his record breaking 64:07 run on his debut half marathon race. Since then he has clocked 61:55 seconds at the Barcelona Half Marathon in February, so a course record could be on the cards.

His performance in Spain took him to third fastest in history on the all-time Scottish rankings. Most recently, the Giffnock North athlete finished third at the Great Scottish Run on Sunday, September 30.

“I am really excited to be going back to compete in the Manchester Half Marathon,” said Traynor. “Last year was my first ever half marathon and it was a brilliant experience.

“It’s a super flat course and the atmosphere was awesome. This year is going to be even better and faster, I hope, as I’m aiming to break my own course record. If you’re looking for a PB I’d encourage all runners to come and join me on October 14th.”

Also joining the line-up is British great Vernon. It was successful summer track season for the 32 year-old who finished fifth in the 10,000m at the European Championships in Berlin. His 2014 half marathon PB of 62:46 could be under threat given his recent strong form.

Andy Vernon said: “It will be my first-time taking part in the Manchester Half Marathon which is an event I’ve heard great things about.

“It’s a half marathon that is starting to attract lots of top club runners as the course is famously fast and flat. There are some great competitors this year, so it should be a fantastic race.”

Meanwhile, this year’s wheelchair race is set to be one of the most competitive in its history. 2016 Team GB Paralympian and British Marathon record holder, Simon Lawson, will also be making his Manchester Half Marathon debut.

Simon said: “I’ve heard competition is growing with more Wheelchair Elites entering year on year, so I’m looking forward to my first time on the course.”

2018 European Championships silver medallist in the 400 and 800m wheelchair sprints, Ben Rowlings, will be another contender for the first place. He’s also the wheelchair world record holder for the 5000m. Adding to the elite wheelchair field is Anthony Gotts, he suffered from depression after losing the use of his legs and completed an incredible 900-mile world record from Cornwall to John O’Groats in Scotland.

Anthony said: “As a Mancunian, I am looking forward to racing through my City of Manchester and seeing the crowds. I’ve heard the support from everyone at the Manchester Half Marathon is quite something.”

Eden Rainbow-Cooper looks promising to be the leading female elite wheelchair athlete. Her career began only five years ago, aged 14 Eden was one of the fastest under 15 athletes nationally, now the Weir Archer Academy racer is ranked number one in the t54 classification for female wheelchair racers in the 100m to 1500m on track.

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The post Luke Traynor and Andy Vernon set for Manchester Half Marathon appeared first on Fast Running.

Since launching in 2016, the Manchester Half Marathon has been a huge success and over 13,000 people are expected at the event on Sunday, October 14.

Whilst it’s already known as a friendly and diverse run, the organisers are keen to ensure that the event epitomises the range of backgrounds and cultures that make up all of Manchester and the surrounding areas, and breaks down the barriers that stop many from joining in.

RELATED: Luke Traynor and Andy Vernon set for Manchester Half Marathon

The Turing Trophy

Manchester is recognised as an inclusive city and this year the Manchester Half Marathon is additionally championing this positive outlook with pride, by rewarding the winning running club the new Turing Trophy.

Alan Turing was a computer scientist that worked at Victoria University in Manchester, he was prosecuted for his homosexuality – which at that point was illegal under the then Labouchere Amendment. Importantly, Turing was also a successful runner. His marathon personal best of 2hrs 46 mins after only a couple of years of running.

If you’re thinking 2:46 isn’t that fast (shame on you, it’s about inclusivity), it might help to remember that the winning time in the 1948 Olympic Marathon was 2:34:52, and Great Britain’s second runner ran 3:09.

Inclusivity Panel

To help develop and achieve its aim the event is recruiting a team of volunteers from a range of backgrounds to help advise the organisers on future developments and help the Manchester Half Marathon achieve its aim.

The panel already includes: Stephan & Chloe Couture, Barinderjit Cheema (a.k.a Usingh Bolt) and Brian Goulden. Those who wish to join the panel are being encouraged to contact the organisers by visiting www.mcrhalf.co.uk/panel by Friday 31st August. Those who don’t want to sit on the panel but would like to support the initiative can also visit this page.

Sitting on the inclusivity panel is Stephan Couture, a doting dad who ran last year’s Half Marathon with his daughter Chloe. Chloe suffers from cerebral palsy and visual impairment, but Stephan refuses to let this stop her from joining him in the race.

Barinderjit, whose running name is “Usingh Bolt”, ran the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in April, and wants to tick the Half Marathon off his list. His insights will educate the team on how other aspiring runners from similar backgrounds can be better represented.

Representing the older running community is Brian Goulden, one of the longest serving members of Sale Harriers running club in Manchester. Brian has been running for over 58 years, and at the age of 71 has a wealth of knowledge in athletics to share with the panel.

Nick Rusling, CEO of Manchester Half Marathon, said: “Taking part in the Manchester Half Marathon is something you will never forget. The atmosphere is always electric and we are looking forward to welcoming people from every walk of life. It’s for this reason we are setting up an inclusivity panel. We want the public to know that there are no barriers to entering the Manchester Half Marathon, and no barriers to taking part.”

A flat and friendly course

Aimee Baker, the Event Director said: “The Manchester Half Marathon is known for being flat and friendly, making it perfect whether you’re a first timer or seasoned pro. This year we want to show that there is no reason to suggest that you can’t run the distance. We’ll make you feel very welcome, so give it a go, you won’t regret it – no matter your situation.”

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us and become a patreon. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post Manchester Half Marathon to award Turing Trophy to winning club appeared first on Fast Running.

Elsewhere this weekend the first Birmingham International Marathon got off to a flying start with Chris Ashford winning the men’s title and Sophie Kelly taking a massive chunk of her PB for the women’s crown. Not forgetting there were brother and sister winners in the half marathon.

Cardiff Cross Challenge – Cardiff, Saturday, October 14
The cross country season got underway on Saturday in Cardiff with the first event of this years’ British Athletics Cross Challenge series. A revised date and new location made little difference to Jess Judd as she once again triumphed in the Welsh capital, successfully defending her title. She took the win ahead of Verity Ockenden and Cardiff local Charlotte Arter. Judd made her move at the start of the second lap, opening up a small gap with only Ockenden and Arter able to respond. Ockenden had the strength in the closing stages to pull away from Arter, finishing one second behind Judd, with Arter taking third five seconds behind.

Top 3 Senior Women: Jess Judd, Chelmsford Athletic Club (19:39), Verity Ockenden, Swansea Harriers (19:40) and Charlotte Arter, Cardiff AAC (19:44).

After the race, Judd, said “I’ve already started the season better than I did last year so that is positive. But I don’t want to put any pressure on myself. I just want to do race after race see what happens.”

Jess Judd interview on all things cross country related can be found here.

Sam Stabler of Wreak and Sour Valley and Mahamed Mahamed of Southampton AC had a great battle, with Stabler proving the stronger of the two taking the victory. Stabler, like Judd, pulled away from the field on the second lap of the popular Llandaff Fields venue. Only Mahamed was able to cover the move and remained in close contention until the closing stages of the race.

Stabler utilised his superior track speed (29.03 10km, 13.37 5km this season), to produce a ribbon-breaking kick and seal the win. Jonny Hay (Aldershot and Farnham), completed the podium. Hay became isolated from the front two but called upon his cross country experience to hold third position. A further fifteen seconds adrift came Graham Rush of Cheltenham, in fourth.

Top 3 Senior Men: Sam Stabler, Wreak and Sour Valley (26:28), Mahamed Mahamed, Southampton Athletics Club (26:32) and Jonny Hay, Aldershot Farnham & District (27:01).

Manchester Half Marathon – Manchester, Sunday, October 15
Luke Traynor of Glasgow City AC won the Manchester Half Marathon in a fantastic debut performance over the distance. Traynor posted a quick 64:10, almost one minute ahead of Peter Huck (Barrow and Furness) with 65.03 for second.

Traynor, Robbie Simpson and Huck all reached 5km together in around 15:07 but by 10km Traynor had opened up a sizable gap with a 30:13 split. Huck was 19 seconds adrift and Simpson a further couple of seconds behind. By the tape, Traynor had increased the winning margin with Peter Huck holding on to second.

A strong finishing Matt Clowes of Cardiff AC overtook Simpson for 3rd, with a personal best 65:11. Two weeks ago Clowes decided last minute to run Cardiff Half Marathon on the back of a 100-mile week posting 66.07, and he shows no signs of the strain.

Simpson will be disappointed with his fourth-place finish, but after a summer blighted by a calf injury and unable to run on flat surface, it’s good to see him take to the roads again and rebuild with a solid half marathon performance. Before the race Simpson told Fast Running he was “aiming for 65 minutes”, so he should be content with his 65:24.

In the women’s race, Rebecca Hilland lead from the start and passed the 10km split in 36:03. The Team Bath runner maintained a solid pace to the finish to win by over three minutes in 1:15.40, two seconds outside her lifetime best. The versatile athlete, who represents GB on the mountains is aiming for Frankfurt Marathon.

Despite living and working in Norway, Rebecca still often competes on UK shores. She was disappointed with her run a few weeks ago at the Great North Run so will be happy to see her form improve before Frankfurt. Julie Briscoe of Wakefield was the second female over the line in 1:18:51, with Sarah Mackness of Telford AC third in 1:20:56.

Birmingham International Marathon – Birmingham, Sunday, October 15
In the Midlands, Chris Ashford of BRAT AC took the victory in the inaugural Birmingham International Marathon. The finishing positions changed within the final mile as long-time leader Martin Williams of Tipton began to fade. Ashford impressed with a winning time of 2:33:46, only a week after running 2:29:01 at the MBNA Chester Marathon. Another impressive fact is it’s Ashford’s fourth marathon under 2:35 in 2017.

Sophie Kelly of Cambridge and Coleridge knocked over twenty minutes off her personal best of 3:14:52 winning today’s race in 2:52:28.

It was a family win in the half marathon with brother and sister Will and Chloe Richardson taking the titles. 19-year-old, W Richardson won the men’s in 66:38, and C Richardson took the women’s crown in 1:21:40.

Cabbage Patch 10, Twickenham, London, Sunday, October 15
In London, Kenyan Elias Kiptoo Kemboi took the Cabbage Patch 10 mile title in a time of 49:42. The race which was founded in 1982 attracts a top field every year, and past winners include Mo Farah and Scott Overall. Winning the women’s race on Sunday was Kenyan Dorcas Jepchumba Kimeli in 54:46, but not far behind was Emma Pallant with a fantastic personal best 54:53. It’s the first time the two-time world duathlon champion has broken the 55 minute barrier and sees Pallant improve a seven year old previous best by 16 seconds.

Winning the women’s race on Sunday was Kenyan Dorcas Jepchumba Kimeli in 54:46, but not far behind was runner turned triathlete Emma Pallant with a fantastic personal best 54:53. It’s the first time the two-time duathlon champion has broken the 55:00 barrier, and see’s her improve a seven year old previous best by 16 seconds.

Awesome run by @EmmaPallant to finish 2nd at cabbage patch10 beatenby 5sec breaking 55min. Super proud @Teamdillon @HOKAONEONE @BMCEtixxTri pic.twitter.com/cJ7q80DyS9

— Stuart Hayes (@StuHayes13) October 15, 2017

Bright10 (Brighton & Hove 10mile), Sunday, October 15
On the South coast, Tom Evans of Lewes smashed the course record at the Bright10 running 51:48. Like Rebecca Hilland, Evans is targeting Frankfurt Marathon at the end of this month.

Evans who has competed on a wide range of distances this year from 1500m up to the CCC ultra race in Chamonix, where he finished a brilliant 4th over the 101k mountainous route. In second was James Westlake of Crawley in 52:37 and third place went to David Wilson 52:52.

The women’s race was very close with just three seconds splitting the top two. Rachel Gifford of Worthing took first place with 60:40 followed by Izzy Coomber of Lewes clear in second with 60:43.

Amsterdam Marathon – Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, October 15

It was an impressive marathon debut by Welsh runner Caryl Jones, clocking 2.34.16. Importantly the Welsh runner achieved the Commonwealth Games standard (2:37:00) for next spring’s Gold Coast Games. Jones’ half marathon build-up included 74.22 at the Great North Run and most recently 75:24 at the Cardiff Half Marathon.

Scottish runner Derek Rae finished seventh in the half marathon, posting 71:59 clocking.

The post Debut Win for Luke Traynor in Manchester and Jess Judd Retains Cardiff Title – Weekend Review appeared first on Fast Running.

Elsewhere this weekend we have the inaugural Birmingham International Marathon, the Bright10 (Brighton & Hove 10 Mile) returns for its third year and the Scottish cross country season gets underway.

Manchester Half Marathon, Manchester, Sunday, October 15
Manchester Half Marathon is one of the flattest 13.1-mile races around with only 41 meters of elevation gain on a two-mile finishing straight. This course is designed for personal bests.

Robbie Simpson, who clocked 2:15:04 at the London Marathon this year and achieving the qualification standard for the World Championships and Commonwealth Games, leads the entry in the men’s elite field. Subsequently, Simpson had to withdraw from the World Championships due to injury, but on Sunday will be hoping to impress Commonwealth Games selectors with a win. Luke Traynor of Glasgow City is also entered and will hope for a great half marathon debut, after posting a 10,000m personal best of 29:08 this summer.

Other strong entries include Jack Morris of Stockport Harriers, Ben fish of Blackburn Harriers and Richard Weir of Derby AC.

Favourites in the women’s race include Kate Reed of Bristol & West who won her debut race over the distance in February in a very impressive 73:44 at the Tallahassee Half Marathon. Rebecca Hilland of Team Bath is currently targeting the Frankfurt Marathon at the end of this month and will be looking at improving her best of 1:15:38.

Cardiff Cross Challenge, Cardiff, Sunday, October 14
After nearly two decades at Bute Park, the Cardiff Cross Challenge will now take place at Llandaff Fields. The race has moved date this year from its usual January and opens the British Athletics Cross Challenge and the Gwent Cross Country League.

As ever the race attracts a high-level entry and leading the senior men are Jonny Hay, Charlie Hulson, Andrew Heyes, Ieuan Thomas and Graham Rush.

Jess Judd will start the race as the favourite in the senior women’s race after taking top honours last year before going on to have a very impressive season. Judd set a number of personal bests over the last ten months and notable achievements included the English national cross country title, reaching the 1500m semi-final’s World Championships, 5000m bronze at the World University Games. and concluded her season with a personal best over the mile (4:18.27) at New York’s famous 5th Avenue Mile.

Ahead of Saturday Cardiff Cross, the 22-year-old told Fast Running: “I’ve always really enjoyed it. I like Cardiff and we normally make a big weekend of it. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s the first real cross country test…so it will be interesting to see what happens.” The full interview with Judd, where she discusses how “getting back to basics” with a full cross country season in 2016-17 helped get her career back on track can be read here.

On Saturday she will face tough competition in Charlotte Arter, Verity Ockenden, Phoebe Law, Louise Small and Emily Hosker-Thornhill. Lily Partridge will hope to bounce back after her Berlin Marathon disappointment and Jenny Nesbitt who won recently won Welsh Half Marathon title in Cardiff will also be on the start line.

Race Timetable
11:30 – Under-11 girls (1250m)
11:40 – Under-11 boys (1250m)
11:50 – Under-13 girls (2780m)
12:05 – Under-13 boys (2780m)
12:20 – Under-17 men (5560m)
12:45 – Under-17/20 women (4450m)
13:10 – Under-15 girls (3200m)
13:25 – Under-15 boys (3200m)
13:40 – Senior & masters women (6400m)
14:25 – Under-20 men (6400m)
14:55 – Senior & masters men (9600m)

Birmingham International Marathon – Birmingham, Sunday, October 15
The inaugural Birmingham International Marathon will take place on Sunday starting at Alexander Stadium, the home of British Athletics. The course will finish in the Centre of Birmingham but not before taking in some of Birmingham’s iconic landmarks.

Martin Williams of Tipton leads the entry with a Marathon best of 2:17:36 set in 2010 which qualified him to run in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and the European Championships in Barcelona for Scotland. Others with a chance of winning include Steven Robinson of Peterborough with a current best of 2:31:58 and Karl Welborn of Tipton with a 2:33:39 best.

In both the men’s and women’s races, the overall winner will receive £2000 cash £1000 for second and £750 for first. A £15,000 bonus will be paid to anybody running an English or Scottish National record.

Bright10 (Brighton & Hove 10mile), Sunday, October 15
The Bright10 returns for the third year on Sunday, Paul Navesy of Crawley AC won the 2016 event in 53:11. Sue Fry won the ladies race in 1:03:59.

This year’s top entries include Kevin Rojas (Brighton & Hove), James Westlake (Crawley), Ben Saville (Crawley) and Tom Evan (Lewis) who last weekend won the Peterborough Half Marathon.

Izzy Coomber of Lewes is on the start list in the women’s race, Izzy ran a personal best for the 10k distance in February with 35:13.

Scottish District Cross County Relays, various venues, Saturday & Sunday, October 14
The Scottish cross country season gets underway on weekend with the District XC Relays taking place at three venues across the country.

The venue for the East District XC Relays is Glamis Castle, Forfar, with the Northern event at Edderton, Tain, both take place on Saturday. On Sunday, the West District XC Relays round up the Scottish weekend of cross country at Hamilton Racecourse. Over 2500 athletes have signed up to compete, an encouraging sign ahead of the Lindsays Cross Country season, which opens with the Scottish nationals at the end of the month. Further details can be found here.

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