2008 Race Report

Record field for 7th Annual Half Marathon

 

Conditions were near perfect for the 7th Annual Macclesfield Half Marathon on Sunday 28th September. A total of 803 finishers made their way around the undulating semi-rural course. Provisional indications that the financial surplus this year means that around £8000 will be donated to charity. No credit crunch in our finances!

 

At the sharp end, this year’s race was won comfortably by Andi Jones of Salford Harriers and AC in a time of 1:07:51. There was no repeat of last years close finish, as Andy was four minutes ahead of second placed runner Steve Bateson from East Hull Harriers (1:11:33). Third and fastest Macclesfield runner home was Andy Lamont in a time of 1:14:42.

 

Altrincham based Olivia Walwyn (although representing City of Norwich AC) retained the ladies title she won in 2007, in a time this year of 1:19:24, finishing a very creditable 10th place over all. Olivia was a minute ahead of second lady Helen Lawrence (u/a) in 1:20:46.

 

Rob Downs (Wilmslow) was first M40 home in 1:15:34, with Steven Morran leading M50 in 1:19:47. The first Lady Vet was Kate Nelson (York Knavesmire) and was overall third lady in a time of 1:23:12. John Follin (u/a) scooped the M45 prize in 1:23:19, with Macclesfield runner John Mooney claiming second in this class in 1:24:17. First Macclesfield Lady home was Christine Chapman in 1:40:26.

 

Competitors in fancy dress this year once again included a Roman Centurian (compete with mock sword – was that in the Risk Assessment?) and also a bunch of cavemen in Flintstones outfits.

 

Everything went very smoothly on the day, and the sun even came out late morning. Thanks to Mandy Calvert and her team of volunteers, meticulous planning and good communications behind the scenes saw a great team effort resulting in everything operating smoothly.

 

 

Well done to all who ran – look forward to seeing you again next year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008 Presentation

 

The money raised by the 2008 Macclesfield Half Marathon was recently handed over to the beneficiaries. This year we donated £8400, bring the total since 2002 to about £55000. The main beneficiaries were East Cheshire Hospice, Macmillan Cancer support and the Macclesfield Track Appeal.

 

 

Pictured (l-r) are David Golding (CampFour), Mandy Calvert (race chairman), John Sugden (AstraZeneca), Bob Lynch (Macclesfield Track Appeal), Sarah Davies (Macmillan), Samantha Howarth (East Cheshire Hospice), The Lady Mayor Thelma Jackson (who presented the prizes after the race) with her Consort Jimmy (who provided the Lead Car), and Barry Blyth (race treasurer).