Agabani produces storming run to lead home Stratford AC at Worcester

WALEED Agabani produced a superb run to lead home Stratford AC in last weekend’s Worcester Half Marathon.

Agabani, who has been hit with several injury setbacks this year, bounced back in style to claim 22nd in 1.29.43.

“I’m delighted with the time, bearing in mind all of my injuries I’ve had this year,” said Agabani.

“It was a challenging course and the high temperature didn’t help.”

Next home for Stratford were Charlotte Potgeiter (243rd, 1.52.11) and Alan Wright (244th, 1.52.11).

Potgeiter ran the race with Wright, in an effort to help him achieve a new personal best.

Rebecca Pridham (258th, 1.53.37) should be delighted with her time, which was also a PB, beating her time at the recent Stratford Half Marathon by just over a minute.

Dave Maundrell (387th, 2.04.12) was running his first half marathon since the Kenilworth in 2012.

Clive Shepherd (604th. 2.25.29) was within just six seconds of his time in last year’s Birmingham Half, although he was nine minutes slower than his Stratford Half effort last month.

More than 700 runners finished the race, which was won by David Bell in a time of 1.13.16. The first lady finisher, in sixth overall, was Joanne McCandless in a time of 1.23.36.

Two Stratford AC athletes entered the full marathon. Paul Saunders was attempting the distance for the first time in ten years and was delighted to run it in under four hours in 3.56.18 for 93rd.

Tara Lambert, running her second marathon in as many days, clocked 5.04.57 to finish 233rd overall.