Ironbridge half marathon gives runners pleasure and pain

The event, organised by Telford Harriers, attracted around 700 competitors, with Paul Ward of Telford Athletics Club, first home in a time of one hour, 12 minutes, and 58 seconds.

The first woman across the line was Claire Martin, also of Telford Athletics Club, who finished in one hour, 20 minutes, and 46 seconds.

Charlotte Gardner, race director, said they had been delighted with the amount of people who took part in the race, which is in its 26th year.

She said: "It has gone really well and we have had a great turn-out. There were about 700 runners which is more than we had last year."

Mrs Gardner said the scenery along the course, which takes in Blists Hill Victorian town, historic Coalport on the Silkin Way, and the Iron Bridge itself, provided a picturesque setting for the race.

She said: "Because it goes through Ironbridge and over the historic Iron Bridge itself that is a great selling point because it is like you are running through history.

"Overall it is a nice mix of scenery starting off in the town park, you go past museums, through an off-road area and then back towards the town park so the runners get a really nice mix of views along the course."

Mark Jones, of Shrewsbury, who was running as part of Team Isaac, raising money in memory of Isaac Jones, who died from cancer at only 22 months old, said he had enjoyed the day. He said: "It is the fourth time I have done it and it is a lovely run."

Dave Hendy, a member of Oldbury Swimming and Athletics Club said the course had been a mixture of beauty and pain. He said: "It is a beautiful course for the first eight miles, but then it starts going up and it gets really painful."