Run in the sun - The Chichester Half Marathon is revived

Startline - Photo by LIz Thornewill

Around 540 people took part in the revived Chichester Half Marathon on a sunny Sunday morning in the city.

After a 25-year absence, the multi-terrain race returned to the district, starting at Chichester College and passing through the city centre before heading north to the pinnacle of the Downs. Through the route runners were able to see many of the city’s historic sites, including the Cathedral and the City Walls, and a great view from the top of the Trundle.

The race was organised by Children on the Edge in conjunction with Chichester District Council.

“This is the first Chichester Half Marathon event for a number of years and we’re delighted that so many people took part in the event. The sun came out for all the runners, spectators and volunteers, making it a great day for all,” says Ben Polhill, Sport and Physical Activity Development Officer at Chichester District Council.

Just by entering the event runners contributed to our work with 3,000 overlooked children across the world, living on the margins of society.

Ben Wilkes, Head of UK said “Children on the Edge has a global reach and helps some of the most vulnerable children in the world, so it was amazing to see our local community come together not only for a fantastic race, but to support our projects in such a positive way”

Scores of runners came in singing the praises of the marshals who were all volunteers from the local area. The goody bags were also a firm favourite, containing contributions from Montezuma’s Chocolates, The Body Shop, Higher Nature and GNC.

“It was a fantastic event today and I really enjoyed it” says runner Su Leeming. “The course is superb and the organisation and cheerful nature of all the correspondence has been fabulous. I was really impressed by the number and friendliness of the marshals today and also by the truly high quality good bag”

The winner in all categories was James Baker with a net finish time of 1 hour, 15 minutes and 27 seconds and the women’s winner was Laura Allen who came in at 1 hour 36 minutes and 22 seconds. Both Children on the Edge and the council are hoping this will grow into an annual event and one runner, Mark Ponsford stated “This will become an Iconic south coast race.. a must for every serious runner”.

Sponsored and supported by Montezuma’s Chocolates, Store Property and Covers and a string of other local businesses and excellently marshaled by over 100 local volunteers, the race was a truly local success.  A full list of results can be found on the Chi half page, and the Chichester District Council website.

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'And they're off' Photo by LIz Thornewill.

James Baker (winning man) and Laura Allen (winning woman). Photo courtesy of The Chichester Observer, taken by Spenser Gale

Running past Chichester Cathedral. Photo by John Fawkes.