IT was a proud day for hundreds of runners as they crossed the finish line for the Worcester Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km event.
Approximately 1,000 runners crossed the start line on Offerton Lane, near Sixways, at around 9.30am on Sunday morning (May 17).
Excited supporters crowded the side lines, holding placards and cheering on loved ones.
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Shortly after 10am, the first finishers had already started crossing the finish line, with Jamie Penton being the first male finisher of the 10km race, followed very closely by Charlie Joyner.
The first female finisher was Evie Watts.
It wasn’t long to wait until half marathon runners also started to cross, with James Marshall being the first male finisher and Lizzie Matheson being the first female finisher.
‘Chuffed’ marathon winner
There were big cheers as those leading the marathon neared the end, with James McGough, who runs with the Swindon Harriers taking the top spot.
The 30 year-old said: “I’ve been running for a couple of years now. I’m really pleased to have finished first. I’m chuffed.
RACE: Worcester Marathon winner James McGough crosses the finish line (Image: NQ)
“It’s a really good event, I really enjoyed it. Some parts were lonely but other parts were really good.”
Not far behind him was Lucy Mapp, 34, who was the first female finisher and second overall.
PROUD: Lucy Mapp was the first female Worcester Marathon finisher and second overall (Image: NQ)
“I definitely feel sore but it was good,” she said. “I was loving the first lap and it was nice with all the half marathoners but then it got really lonely on the second lap.
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“I’m just pleased to get round it. It’s really cool to be the first female finisher. I was first for a while but I didn’t realise I was second overall so that was amazing.”
The event, organised by Tempo Events, is in its 15th year and is held in partnership with St Richard’s Hospice, with many runners choosing to fundraise for the charity.
