The Children's Mutual Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon

Despite the worst weather conditions in the 27 year history of the race, more than 1800 hardy runners turned out to take part in The Children's Mutual Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon on Sunday 28th February.

Widely considered to be one of the leading road races in the South East, the half marathon is now the biggest mass participation sporting event in Tunbridge Wells and an important community event.  Organised by a team of volunteers from local club, Tunbridge Wells Harriers, all profits from the event go directly to charity - this year hoping to raise in excess of £20,000 for the Cardiomyopathy Association and premature birth charity, Ickle Pickles.

The hilly single lap route is challenging at the best of times, but with the torrential rain, flooding and gale force winds on Sunday, it turned out to be a gruelling experience for the participants, who had travelled from all over the UK.

The runners proved themselves to be a hardy bunch though, and despite having to cope with driving rain and ankle deep water in places, they pulled together with a fantastic showing of camaraderie, spurred on by the encouraging marshals all around the course.

Local double Olympic Champion, Dame Kelly Holmes, started the race and set the 1800 runners on their way. Supporting a team of runners from her new charity The Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, she then stood in the rain and cheered and clapped the runners on the finish line, giving them all a enormous boost on a miserable day.  Fantastic cheerleaders from CheerFit and the brilliant drumming band Bloco Fogo were also on hand to give the runners much needed encouragement.

The race was won by Ben Moreau, Aldershaw, Farnham and District who led from start to finish in a gutsy performance, finishing in 1:09.11. He managed to hold off Crawley AC athlete Gavin Thompson who finished second in 1:09.32 with Matthew Bennett of Chiltern Harriers AC in third in 1:12.11.     GB marathon runner Helen Decker, was first for the women in the second fastest time ever seen on the course in a stunning 1:18.37, with Debbie Marsden of Westbury Harriers second, in 1:22.55. Local Paddock Wood runner, Tina Oldershaw, and previous 5 times winner of the event put in a fantastic performance to take third in 1:23.29.

A record 62 Tunbridge Wells Harriers took part in their home club event, with Nick Leech taking the prize for first Harrier home in a very swift 1:17.42 with Tara Taylor first woman home for the local club in an impressive 1:33.19.    And for only the second time in history, Tunbridge Wells Harriers also won the mens team prize with a superb performance from Nick Leech, Chris Wolton and Chris Smith.

Double leg amputee 'blade' runner and world record holder, Richard Whitehead, put in a stunning effort in extremely demanding conditions to finish in an impressive 1:25 and 36th position overall.

'We were absolutely thrilled with how the event went, especially given the weather' said Race Director Sarah Russell 'the appalling conditions made it challenging from both a competitors and organisers point of view, but everyone pulled together magnificently on the day. The feedback we've had from runners has been superb and everyone is unanimous in their praise of the marshals, volunteers and organisers who stood out in the rain for hours.   We'd like to thank all our sponsors and especially our title sponsor The Children's Mutual and also Sainsburys Crayford, Spire Healthcare, Lifestyle Renault and Hotel du Vin. The race simply couldn't go ahead without the incredible volunteers from the local rotary clubs, schools, guide and scout groups and we are extremely grateful to everyone who was involved in making it such a success'.

TWH results: