More than 2,750 runners from across the country, and from as far as Hungary, Ireland and the Channel Islands, crossed the finish line at last weekend’s David Cliff Wokingham half marathon.
Winner of the race was Alexander Teuten, representing Southampton Athletic Club, who completed the course in a time of 01:04:48, more than two and a half minutes ahead of second-placed Alexander Meill-Ingram of Radley Athletic Club..
Alexander told Wokingham Today: “I enjoyed the event, the organisation was excellent and there was lots of support on the course.
“I’m grateful that the race could go ahead, even if the new course is slightly slower than the previous.”
Referring to the need for some last-minute changes to the course due to flooding in Hurst, he joked: “Perhaps I’ll now be a benefactor of the £500 bonus for setting a “new course record.
“It’ll prove to be one expensive puddle if so.
“Joking aside, the race was ideal preparation for the Manchester marathon in April, and now I’ll focus my attention on the longer runs between now and then.
“I hope to be back next year, race calendar permitting.”
Lauren Reed of Havering Athletic Club was the first woman home in a time of 01:13:38, She finished in 56th place overall.
The oldest participant was 78-year-old James Lemin from Purley on Thames who completed the course in 02:21:28.
Runners were cheered on by crowds along the course, which included Wokingham town centre in the early stages of the race.
Event organiser Chris Sumner told Wokingham Today that despite last-minute changes to the course due to flooding, the event was a huge success.
He explained how contingency plans were in place for such a situation, but the route still had to be measured and approved so that runners can officially count their times.
He said: “We had the largest number of runners we’ve ever had”, noting the event was sold out well in advance.
“We do allow people to transfer their entries, and in the week leading up to the race there were quite a few requests for last-minute places.”
Due to a lack of space at Cantley Park, runners were asked to park in town centre car parks and walk to the start line.
“We provided our runners with clear messaging about parking, given this was the first year where Sunday charges were payable in the town centre car parks.
“We also operated a shuttle bus service from the park and ride at Coppid Beech to Cantley Park for the first time, which was well used.”
One runner collapsed within sight of the finish line, but he has since recovered.
Chris said: “His father-in-law has been in touch and he’s fine, and we are arranging for him to receive his medal as he was taken to hospital as a precaution and wasn’t able to collect it on Sunday.”
Entries for the 2025 event have already started, and Chris is urging anyone interested to confirm their place now, and take advantage of early bird entry prices.
He added: “Wokingham has a reputation as being a very fast course. As an example, Brighton held an event last Sunday too, but our times were considerably faster.”
The full list of results, and entry details for the 2025 event, are available through the race website at www.wokinghamhalfmarathon.com.
For more pictures, see Thursday’s Wokingham Today.
