Ironbridge Half Marathon tests runners' mettle

Richard Langton, who heads the charity set up in memory of the Telford 17-year-old, was one of about 650 athletes taking part in half marathon.

The chief inspector played cops and robbers during the race with firefighter Stuart Ruston, who was dressed as a burglar.

They were raisaing money for the charity set up in memory of the murdered teenager from Wellington.

The West Mercia Police officer completed the race in two hours and 41 minutes but needed to finish in under two-and-a-half hours to break the Guinness World Record attempt for the fastest half marathon in police riot gear.

Organisers hailed yesterday's event a success and say they were pleased to see the rain stay away until all the runners had finished.

The first male across the finish line was Paul Ward, of Telford Athletic Club, who completed the course in one hour and 14 minutes.

The first female to finish was Kim Fawke, of Centurion Running Club, in one hour and 20 minutes.

The route is one of the most gruelling half marathon courses in the country, with its hills and off-road terrain.

But it is also among the most spectacular, taking in the historic Ironbridge Gorge.

Participants set off from the Telford Town Park arena at 10.30am before making their way down to Ironbridge, past Blists Hill and Coalport China museums and into the Severn Gorge.

Then they follow the old Severn Valley railway line past Maws craft centre and the tile works.

Runners make their way over the Iron Bridge and into the town for the last leg through Coalbrookdale and Rough Park and back into the Telford Town Park arena.

Lisa Yeomans, one of the organisers, said: "I think it went well. I have had no complaints from people who took part.

"The weather held well. "I think we had slightly more runners this year than last year. This is the 25th anniversary of the race so it is nice to have our biggest field yet."

Ms Yeomans said everyone who completed the half marathon received an anniversary T-shirt and a medal.

Among the athletes taking part was Maurice Reid, of Gnosall, near Newport.

The 47-year-old said: "I have been running for about 10 years and this is one of my favourite races."

• Full results will be available at www.telfordharriers.co.uk