Smith is the king of the castles
SUNDAY'S 35th Two Castles Run had a full entry of 4,000 runners and it lived up to its reputation as one of the best and classic 10k runs in the country.
The race, sponsored for the 12th year by solicitors Blythe Liggins, raised more than £100,000 for charity.
Competitors gathered within the walls of Warwick Castle and were sent on their way by the Mayor of Warwick, Stephen Cross, at 9am.
Some 32 minutes 25 seconds later the winner, Alistair Smith, from Coventry Godiva Harriers, crossed the finish line in Kenilworth Castle.
Second man home was Peter Brook, some three seconds behind, and third was last year’s winner Patrick Roddy in 33 minutes 34 seconds.
The first woman home was Kent Athletics Club’s Amy Clements, with a time of 36 minutes 47 seconds (26th overall).
She was followed in second place by Joanne Male from West End Runners in 38 minutes 14 seconds.
Third was Martha Lloyd from Oxford City Running Club, home in 38.21 seconds.
Kenilworth Runners won both the men’s and women’s team prizes and the mixed team prize went to Team Warwick University.
The oldest woman competitor, 77-year-old Sara Slevin, who has been running for 36 years, including 27 marathons and more than 50 half marathons, again completed the course.
Rotary press officer Bob Kelly said: “The Two Castles is one of the best-loved athletic events in the Midlands and is both for serious runners and for those who run for sheer enjoyment, or for charity.
"Each year it grows in popularity and attracts entries from all the country. As always, our priority is to have a safe, injury-free event and today we have again achieved that, together with raising £100,000 for charity.”
David Lester, joint senior partner of sponsors Blythe Liggins Solicitors, who also provided a water station and marshals, said: “It was great to be involved with the event once again. We had 30 runners from Blythe Liggins taking part this year, each one finished, some with personal bests, and everyone really appreciated the atmosphere on the day.
"Once again, Kenilworth Rotary Club did a fantastic job. We are already looking forward to next year’s run."
Mayor of Kenilworth Kate Dickson attended and commented on the great atmosphere of Kenilworth’s charity event that involves so many people to organise and provide such a spectacle.
