Ealing Half 2016 ' Best Year Yet'

Race Director pays tribute to the volunteers, sponsors, supporters and runners

The fifth Ealing Half Marathon took place yesterday Sunday 25th September, welcoming thousands of runners and spectators to the leafy streets of West London to soak up the #EalingFeeling in what were perfect autumn running and spectating conditions.

General places had sold out for this popular race which has been voted the UK’s best half marathon for the last three years by runners at the Running Awards, and which is now a firm fixture in the running calendar.

The Ealing Half Marathon is well known for its huge community support and lively atmosphere, and this year was its most successful event yet. Set up as a legacy to London’s Olympic Games in 2012, the race welcomed athletes from all over the UK and abroad including a strong team of Ealing Eagles club runners.

Ealing Eagle and local superstar James Linney started the race at 9am, himself a keen runner after being inspired to try every Olympic sport following the London Olympics. He was warmly welcomed by locals who have been following his sporting achievements, before jumping in to become one of the race pacers.

Josphat Kemei of Run-Fast dominated the men’s field and won the Ealing Half Marathon in 01:04:14, claiming the title with nearly an eight minute gap and beating the previous course record by 19 seconds. Michael Aldridge of Wootton Road Runners and Alun Myers of Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC were battling it out for third place with a finish line sprint, with Aldridge beating Myers by two seconds after crossing the finish line in 01:12:02.

Run-Fast athlete Teresiah Omosa took the lead straight from the start and continued to build the gap in the women’s field. Omosa secured the title in 01:14:45, ahead of Sophie Tomaszczyk of West 4 Harriers who finished in 01:25:09 and Isobel Rea who came third in 01:26:12. 

Prizes included cash prizes and Up & Running vouchers for the top three male and female as well as the age category winners. All finishers received a medal and goody bag and were entered into a draw to win a new Mercedes-Benz bike, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Brentford.

As usual the Ealing Mini Mile was a popular element of race day, enabling young runners to enjoy the experience of a great sporting event. Covering a one-mile route around Lammas Park, the Ealing Mini Mile saw Ritchie Grant and Emma Pribyl win the 6-9 years category, and Maximilian Steel and Josie Booker win the 10-12 years category. William Paterson Denton and Ellie Osmond claimed first place in the 13-16 years category.

RESULTS

Ealing Half Marathon, 25th September 2016:

Male:

1. Josphat Kemei (Run-Fast), 01:04:14

2. Michael Aldridge (Wootton Road Runners), 01:12:02

3. Alun Myers (Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC), 01:12:04

Female:

1. Teresiah Omosa (Run-Fast), 01:14:45

2. Sophie Tomaszczyk (West 4 Harriers), 01:25:09

3. Isobel Rea, 01:26:12

For all results please go to www.ealinghalfmarathon.com

Race Director Kelvin Walker commented: “The Ealing Half Marathon 2016 has succeeded expectations and been our best year yet. We had thousands of runners cross the finish line and a fantastic turnout of families and friends to cheer them on and celebrate their achievements. When we started the race five years ago our dream was to host an event that would bring the community together and give something back, and we are thrilled that the Ealing Half Marathon has done just this whilst becoming a key date in the diary for many people.

 ''We would like to thank everyone who has supported the race again this year, including the volunteers, marshals, our sponsors and partners, and local businesses and residents. And a big thank you of course to the runners, young and old, who keep coming back to support Ealing Half Marathon year after year: congratulations to all of you on this superb day of sporting achievement!

“As a Community Interest Company, we look forward to investing funds raised from the Ealing Half Marathon today into school and community events year-round, as part of our commitment to make sport and fitness available to all.”

The race’s three headline charities for 2016 were Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK and CLIC Sargent, and it is hoped that previous fundraising figures will be surpassed by today’s event.

The organisers have confirmed that registration to the Ealing Half Marathon 2017, which will take place on Sunday 24th September, will open shortly.

27 September 2016