THE TWO Castles Run saw 4,000 competitors battling it out in glorious sunshine on Sunday (June 8).
While the warm weather provided ideal conditions for the many spectators who lined the 10km route between Warwick and Kenilworth castles, the higher than recent race temperature challenged the runners.
The 32nd Two Castles Run – organised By the Kenilworth Rotary Club with the help of Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club – lived up to its traditional reputation of one of the best 10k runs in the country.
The field started from Warwick at 9am, and 33 minutes 24 seconds later the winner Andrew Savery, a member of Leamington Cycling and Athletic Club, was first over the finish line in Kenilworth.
Andrew said: “This is the second time I have entered , the course is a little intimidating due to the overall rise in topography from Warwick. I set off at the front with a group but at 5k I got away on my own but they came back , at 7k I felt I could go again and this time I got away clear to the finish . With the warm weather even more support around the route which always helps.”
The first woman home was Danielle Stewart from Coventry Godiva Harriers in a time of 38 minutes and 16 seconds. She said:” I’m pleased as I had all the winter off with no training due to a bike accident. This was the first time I have run the event and I wanted to run a local race so this became my gold event.”
Among the entrants in the race, sponsored by Blythe Liggins Solicitors, was Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White.
Kenilworth Mayor John Cook said: “I first came here 28 years ago to receive the runners but then a much smaller event. It’s amazing how the event has grown.”
The event regularly raises around £100,000 for charity
Visit www.twocastlesrun.org.uk for full results.
See Thursday’s Observer for more pictures. Read the paper online at www.leamingtonobserver.co.uk
Photos by Alex Bradbury – www.alexbradbury.co.uk
Through Kenilworth Castle.
Geraldine Roche, Geraldine Brennan, Ava O’Neill and Julie Oglesby celebrate with a glass of bubbly.
We did it- Kiki Sun and Yerkezhan Kalimova.
Crossing the finish line.
Val gives a wave to the camera.
Tired but happy.
Darren and Meena Player ran for the Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple.
All smiles.
