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Andrew races to a 'rat race' double
Sheffield athlete Andrew Thake made it a 'rat race' double by beating a 450-strong field to win the Eyam Half Marathon for the second year running.
The Hallamshire Harrier crossed the line in one of road racing's toughest events in a time of 1:15:19, more than two minutes ahead of his clubmate Stuart Mycock who finished second in 1:17:55. Unattached entrant Edward Mitchell was third in 1:20:17.
The popular, stamina-sapping event takes competitors on a gruelling course involving more than 1,200ft of ascent. The race is a single-loop circuit run entirely on the road surface and passes through the hamlets of Bretton and Abney, skirts around Eyam Moor and returns to the Peak District village via Sir William Hill.
Picking up the ladies' trophy was Bridget Coomber, of Denby Dale Travellers, who completed the course in 1:32:48. She was almost four minutes ahead of Caren Coonan, of Ashbourne Running Club, (1:36:22) with Belper Harrier Stephanie Ilsley coming home third in 1:37:34.
Entries for the much loved 'rat race' came from all over the UK and one
runner even travelled from South Africa to compete. Those taking up this true test of stamina ranged in age from 20 to 75 and all needed the water supplied by Vittel, which again supported the event. So did the record numbers who took part in the 1.3-mile fun run who all received certificates signed by former snooker world champion and TV personality John Parrott.
The event is organised by Eyam Half-Marathon committee, which raises funds for local organisations and cancer charities.
Over the past 16 years the committee, made up of local volunteers, has raised nearly 100,000 and placed the half-marathon firmly on the national road running map.
Chairman Steve Brown said: "It never ceases to amaze me how this event captures the imagination of runners and has become such a popular and respected half-marathon."
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Weather for Bakewell
Friday 25 May 2012
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