Bournemouth Marathon Festival organised last week on the Dorset coastline had a successful run with 15,000 runners signing up from across the UK.
The event kicked off with its first ever Kids’ Kilometre run for ages 3-6 followed by a 1.5k, 2K and 5k race for juniors. The day ended with the glow in the dark Supernova 5K with participants illuminating the path with fluorescent gear and head torches.
Sandra Scott, Race Director said: “Its been another amazing weekend of seaside running at the Bournemouth Marathon Festival, with over half a million pounds raised for good causes.”
Sunday’s half marathon event saw a new female course record set by Anna Boniface of Reading AC with a speedy time of 1:19:46.
The final 23 mile marathon was won by Jacek Cieluszecki from the Cambridge Harriers. The female race was bagged by Laura Trimble of Wimbledon Windmilers.
After her podium finish, Laura said: “The conditions were amazing – I really enjoyed it. It’s my first time racing here in Bournemouth and I loved it. I have a two year old and a four year old so it was amazing that they got to see me out on the course and support me.”
The event saw many runners raising money for charities. One of them was Michael Dobson and his team of supporters who took on the 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
The mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Lawrence Williams, said: “The Mayoress and I were absolutely delighted to present the Bournemouth Marathon prizes – me to the winning man and the Mayoress to the winning woman. What a great event – brilliant weather and a fantastic atmosphere.”
