Knife Angel to take centre stage at next Oswestry Half Marathon

Following a successful first half marathon event on Sunday, the race is set to become an annual fixture in the county's sporting and event calendar, and today Clive Knowles of the British Ironwork Centre revealed next year's medals for runners will be based on the Knife Angel.

The brainchild of Mr Knowles and created at the county’s British Ironwork Centre, the sculpture is made up of thousands of knives, all handed in through police amnesties.

This year's first Oswestry Half Marathon saw the spoon gorilla – also created at the centre – at the heart of the event, with giant gorillas used as mile-markers, as well as gorilla medals.

But next year's event will focus on the Knife Angel's core message of anti-violence and anti-hate.

Mr Knowles said: "This weekend's event was just amazing. It was absolutely incredible to see all the runners take part to raise money for charity. They were a total inspiration and it was great to see so many people turn out to cheer the runners on. Neat year I want to see more of that.

"I also want to bring as much theatre and drama to the event as possible, Oswestry might not be the capital of Shropshire but it will certainly be the most interesting town that's for sure."

Mr Knowles also confirmed Oswestry's own marathon-hero Amy Hughes would be ambassador of next year's race again.