Be;lvoir Half-Marathon: Bull smashes course record

Almost 500 runners completed the Belvoir Half-Marathon EMN-161204-134940002

Bull took advantage of ideal conditions to cross the finish line at Hose in a time of 1hr 08min 50secs, the best in the 34-year history of the race.

He finished a stunning seven-and-a-half minutes clear of runner-up David Greenwood (Holme Pierrepont RC) with Valley Striders runner Simon Midwood completing the top three, another 30 seconds back.

Magda Locker (Charnwood AC) was the first woman across the line in a time of 1.28.34, finishing 43rd overall, and also picked up the 40-49 vet women’s prize.

And they're off! The start of the 2016 Belvoir Half-Marathon EMN-161204-134918002

This year’s race, which raises funds for Hose Village Hall, attracted more than 500 entrants, with 495 finishers.

A total of 52 completed the fun run which was won by Samuel Gordon-Kerr (Rutland Panthers). He also claimed the under 12 years category and pipped his dad Martin Gordon-Kerr (Rutland Running & Triathlon Club) into second place.

Among the Stilton Striders entrants, Dan Valencia finished 122nd in 1.36.36, while husband and wife John and Louise Houghton crossed the line together in 1.45.54 and 1.45.53 respectively.

Sarah Procter was 261st in 1.50.30, and Brian Walkling completed the set in 1.55.16.

Stilton Strider John Houghton sets off EMN-161204-134929002

Fellow Melton running club, the Pork Pie Plodders, were also out in force with Zenon Kurys (running for Wreake) first back in 1.55.32.

Ed Oles clocked a personal best for the distance of 1.56.05, just 15 seconds ahead of Emma Machowska.

Gosia Garner was next home in 1.57.28 followed by Jane Scatchard (2.16.55), Gina Bailey (2.24.42) and Glenn Main (2.26.38).

Half marathon prizes –

Overall winner: Josh Bull (Derby AC) 1.08.50. First woman: Magda Locker (Charnwood AC) 1.28.34.

40-49 age category (man): David Greenwood (Holme Pierrepont RC) 1.16.20. 50-59 age category (man): Bruce Nikoloff (Wreake Runners) 1.21.36; (woman): Penny Andrews (Northampton RR) 1.34.30. Over 60s (men): Anthony Madge (Grantham & District AC) 1:33:26; (women): Yvonne Parker (Road Runners Club) 1.42.56. Team (men): Paul Featherstone, Mark Gregory, Gareth Chivers, Jonathan Oxbrough (Huncote Harriers); (women): Magda Locker, Natalie Wettler, Kate Champneys (Charnwood AC)

Fun Run – Overall: 1 Samuel Gordon-Kerr (Rutland Panthers), 2 Martin Gordon-Kerr (Rutland Running & Triathlon Club), 3 Christie Jones. Women: 1 Madi Bledsop, 2 Jo Pettifor, 3 Lucy Rathbone. Under 16s: Sarah Maston.