Thousands gather to race in MK's Festival of Running

While the numbers were down on last year due to the uncertainties in the current climate there were 2955 finishers in MMKAC's Festival of Running.

MMK had three winners in the various races. In the half marathon, Steve Tuttle was the first man home, with Alice Ritchie taking the women’s race.

In the 20m mile event, Lara Bromilow worked her way to the front after a slow start to win the women’s race.

The half-marathon saw 1,088 finishers and with Steve Tuttle recording 72.11 to win overall. Alice Ritchie made her debut over this distance to record 83.58, first lady by some three-minuties and 22nd overall. This time places Alice 12th in the MMKAC all-time ladies rankings. Sean Butler placed 36th (86.56), Andrew Wasdell 55th (89.12), Chris Nicholson 103rd (94.21), Steve Martin 137th (98.13) and Phil Gazard 152nd (99.18).

Lara Bromilow was just a minute off her PB winning the 20 mile race with 2:14.08 placing 25th overall. Matt Turner finished 44th in 2:17.55, Wendy Webber was seventh lady(2:22.54) whilst Neil Jones clocked 2:24.06, 78th overall.

John Skelton (M65) returning to form after a years’ sabbatical, finished 10th in the 10km race to go second in the UK M65 rankings (38.47). Inside 50mins were Dave Edward and Martin Brent (44.39), then Debra Brent, 14th lady (47.35), Julia Totton (47.39), Neil Whitwell (48.46) and Karen Tincknell (49.01). In total, 934 finished.

A number of the MMKAC youngsters competed in the 5km race, where Zac Freeland led them home, seventh in 17.59. Joshua Edwards (19.37) followed, Millie Freeland (20.19), Ethan Murrill (20.46) and Maddy Pearce (20.51). Next in were the father (Ian) and son (Sam) duo recording 21.40. Lizzie Garner ran 22.01 and just inside the top 50 came Alice O’Leary (23.00). There were 354 finishers.