2000 runners descend on Poole for the annual Festival of Running.
As the festival entered its 39th year thousands came out this weekend to run in events ranging from junior fun runs to a half marathon.
The 10k race proved popular
The most popular event at the Festival was the 10k, which had 852 runners. The winning times were 31:13 from Steve Gallienne and 36:00 from Louise Damen.
5k charity run sees strong times
Poole Hospital Charity was the beneficiary of this year’s 5k charity run, continuing the Festival’s strong links to the community. Steve Gallienne and Julie Brown won the race with times of 15:31 and 20:01 respectively.
Half marathon winning time a minute down on last year
Sunday’s main event, the half marathon was won by Lee Dempster of Lytchett Manor Striders in a time of 1:15:14, two and a half minutes ahead of second placed Scott Parfitt, also of Lytchett Manor Striders.
This was a minute short of last year’s winning time of 1:14:06.
The winning woman was Ruby Orchard of Cornwall AC who won by over two minutes with a time of 1:24:33.
408 competitors ran on a number of different terrains over the course of the 13.1 miles, taking in Poole Quay and Upton Country Park en route.
Poole Runners, the event organisers, are yet to announce details for next year’s race but check out their website, here, for more details on the events at the festival and the races.