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Thousands of elite athletes, club runners, joggers and fun runners
took to the streets of Peterborough for The Great Eastern Run and
fun run on Sunday 14 October.
More than 3,000 people were
participating in the half-marathon and more than 1,000 in the fun
run, and thousands more lined the 13.1-mile route in bright sunshine
to cheer on those taking part. They witnessed a fantastic race where
competition was fierce with Kenyan John Mutai back in the city to
defend his title after winning the men’s race in 2006.
The 41-year-old did not disappoint
either, crossing the line in a record time of 63 minutes and 48
seconds, smashing the Halcrow course record of 64 minutes and 35
seconds he set in 2006. However, in what was a remarkable finish,
Mutai crossed the line hand-in-hand with fellow Kenyan Raymond Tonui,
who was officially handed first place with exactly the same time.
Neil Addison was third in a time of 66 minutes and 49 seconds.
“What a race,” said a smiling Mutai
after completing the 13.1-mile course. “I only flew into the UK from
Kenya on Thursday and I’m very happy to have been able to take part
in such a great race. I love to run and I’m looking forward to
coming back to Peterborough and racing here again in 2008.”
The women’s race was won by Jo
Wilkinson in a time of 74 minutes and 32 seconds, more than three
minutes ahead of second-placed Banuelia Katesigwa (77 minutes and 42
seconds), who was running in the Great Eastern Run seven days after
winning the Loch Ness marathon. Emma Phillips was third in a time of
77 minutes and 45 seconds.
“What a fantastic occasion,” said
race organiser Kathleen McGrath, from Peterborough City Council.
“The Great Eastern Run has once again put Peterborough on the map
and cemented its reputation as the greatest race in the region.
“Thousands of runners have raised
tens of thousands of pounds for charity and they are the real stars
of the day. However, thanks must also go to those thousands more who
lined the course to cheer on those taking part, the running clubs
for their continued support and especially to the volunteers who
turned up on the day to help everything run so smoothly.”
The race started from the junction
of Midgate and Long Causeway at 11 am, with the fun run getting
underway at 11.20 am and the wheelchair race starting at 10.55 am.
Thousands of people lined the course to cheer the runners on as they
made their way through the city before finishing at the Embankment
where thousands more welcomed them home.
Allan Arnott, operations director
for race sponsors Perkins Engines, said: “This year’s Great Eastern
Run was absolutely superb. The level of support and enthusiasm from
both the runners and the crowds, who turned out in their thousands
to watch the event, was incredible. I would like to congratulate all
those who took part and helped raise thousands of pounds for local
charities.”
Councillor Matthew Lee, Cabinet
Member for Community Services, added: “The Great Eastern Run has
raised the profile of Peterborough and provided a fitting stage for
those elite athletes, club runners, keep-fit joggers and fun runners
who have helped make it the greatest race in the region once again.
“Organising the race has been no
mean feat and a big thank you must go to everyone who has been
involved. I would also like to thank our sponsors, the hundreds of
volunteers who were involved on the day and the residents of
Peterborough who lined the 13.1-mile route to show their support.”
For full results got to
www.greateasternrun.co.uk
October 2007 -
Peterborough UK Community Website
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