CONDITIONS were perfect for the Two Castles Run on Sunday.
The 37th annual race, organised by Kenilworth Rotary Club and Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club, and sponsored by Blythe Liggins, had a full entry of 4,000 and again provided Kenilworth with its biggest annual sporting spectacle – living up to its well-established reputation as one of the best 10k runs in the country and raised over £100,000 for charity.
Competitors as usual gathered within the walls of Warwick Castle and were sent on their way by Warwick mayor Neale Murphy at 9am.
Exactly 32 minutes and 57 seconds later winner Callum Hanton, a member of Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club (LAAC), crossed the finish line in Kenilworth Castle.
Second man home was Peter Lighting from Kent AC, followed by Ian Allen Woodward from Spa Striders.
Callum said he enjoyed the support along the route, including along the road he lives in. Callum has run the race several times before but this was his first win.
The first woman home was Kelly Edwards in 37.19 (LEAC), followed by Julie Emerson (Coventry Godiva) in 38.36, and some 24 seconds later by Natalie Bhangal (LEAC).
This year saw 80 competitors run in memory of James Madley, well known as captain of the 2nd XI and chairman of Kenilworth Wardens Cricket Club, who died in 2018 from a rare Sarcoma cancer. He died just two months after diagnosis aged just 29.
The 77-strong group, having already raised in excess of £12,000 for Sarcoma UK, will add to the fund with sponsorship from the run. James had himself been a competitor in the Two Castles Run every year since his 17th birthday.
Race organiser Philip Southwell 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.”
Richard Thornton, joint senior partner of sponsors Blythe Liggins Solicitors, said: “It was great to be involved with the event once again. We had 30 runners from Blythe Liggins taking part this year, 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.”
Kenilworth mayor Allison Frith attended, as did regular supporter Jeremy Wright MP.
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