Sunday’s 36th Ikano Bank Robin Hood Half, Full and Mini Marathon saw over 13,000 runners take to the streets of Nottingham for the host race of the British Athletics Half Marathon Championships. With a new and improved 2016 route developed by race organiser Sweatshop and partners, runners were treated to the iconic sights of the city, bringing back some old favourites whilst keeping the picturesque start and finish line next to the River Trent.
Richard Whitehead MBE, 200m T42 Paralympic Champion and Marathon World Record Holder, on behalf of Ikano Bank, alongside the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, wished wheelchair racers good luck and sent them on their way at 9.25, followed by half and full marathon runners at 9.30. Richard commented: “It’s a real honour to be the race starter of such a prestigious event. There’s always a special atmosphere here and the buzz at the start of the race this year was incredible. It’s great to see so many people turning up year after year, it’s a testament to the hard work of the race organisers and sponsors. I hope everyone who ran this year thoroughly enjoyed themselves!”
Bamaba Kipkoech was crowned champion of the men’s half marathon race in a time of 1:05:55 and Nicholas Torry was runner up who finished not far behind with a race time of 1:06:26. Torry also claimed the accolade of the fastest British male, winning him the title of the British Athletics Half Marathon Championships.
Winfridah Moseti took the title of the women’s half marathon race with a time of 1:12:52. The energetic crowds waved and cheered Moseti home, who was followed closely by second place Katrina Wooten from with a race time of 1:13:25.
There were around 2,000 marathon runners tackling the 26.2-mile route and the men’s event was won by Adam Holland who crossed the line in 2:37:25 accompanied by rapturous support. The women’s marathon was won by Joanne Nelson of in a race time of 2:56:09.
The new route proved to be a success and provided picturesque viewing for the runners including more of Nottingham’s landmarks than ever before. The race started in traditional fashion at Victoria Embankment and runners were then taken past the city’s magnificent 17th century medieval castle. Other stunning sights on route to comfort runners into their dedicated 13.1 mile or 26.2-mile journey were Colwick Park, The Park, Nottingham University Jubilee Campus, Wollaton Park, the National Water Sports Centre and Trent Bridge, cheered on by an immense display of spectator support to push runners to their mighty finish at the Race Village.
Judith Manson, Race Director, comments: “The city of Nottingham never fails to host such a fantastic event and this year was no exception. Participants and spectators alike have already been raving about the new-look course and I’d like to congratulate all the volunteers, onlookers and of course the runners themselves for contributing to such an exhilarating day!
“We would also like to thank all of our event partners and sponsors who without them such an event would not be possible. The team is already looking forward to our return next year where we hope the event will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Craig Fiddles, from headline sponsor Ikano Bank presented some of the Marathon awards and comments: “Yesterday was fantastic and I felt honored to present the fastest athletes with their accolades. The atmosphere was infectious and I couldn’t stop smiling. We at Ikano Bank feel extremely privileged to sponsor this event and already looking forward to next year’s event!”
*Race times given as by gun time.