Elite runner smashes Manchester Half Marathon record

Scot Luke Traynor takes top prize at Manchester’s largest half marathon

Luke Traynor stormed away from the field in perfect conditions to win the Manchester Half Marathon with nearly a minute clear.

The second annual Manchester Half Marathon took place Sunday 15 October welcoming thousands of runners and spectators to the streets of Trafford where the race was held.

Sunny skies and perfect weather welcomed 8,000 runners who took part in the Manchester Half Marathon on the famously flat, fast and friendly course. With only a 41metre elevation across the 13.1mile course, the Manchester Half Marathon has become the race of choice for beginners, charity runners and elite athletes looking for a PB or qualifying time.

A 48-strong field of elite athletes participated, providing stiff competition for the finish.

First time half marathon competitor Luke Traynor from Glasgow smashed last year’s best time of 1.04.41, crossing the finishing line at 1.04.10. Traynor, who finished third on the track in the Trafford Grand Prix 10,000m back in August, took an early lead at the outset of the race and kept the pace through to the finish line.

Rebecca Hilland was the first in for the women, nailing a time of 1.15.40 and a PB.

Peter Huck also took to the podium on the steps of Trafford Town Hall with a second place time of 1.05.03, while Matt Clowes came in a supremely close third with a time of 1.05.11 for the men. In second and third place for the women was Julie Briscoe with a time of 1.18.51 and Sarah Mackness who finished at 1.20.56.

Patrick Barden, who has cerebral palsy, challenged the course over three days and was awarded a finishers medal. He completed the last three-miles of the course on Sunday, arriving to massive cheering from the crowds at the finishing line at Emirates Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire Cricket Club.

Sean Anstee, leader of Trafford Council, said: “What a fantastic result for all concerned and a fantastic morning here in Trafford. We are delighted to have welcomed so many runners, from elite athletes to the many who took part in successfully raising so much money for charity.”

Nick Rusling, CEO of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half Marathon, said: “Massive congratulations to all who came to participate and to those who came to cheer the runners on.

“This event is now firm part of the running calendar and Manchester fitness scene. We’ve shown that we have inspired loads of new people as well as putting on a quick race for the regulars. For those that fancy stepping up we hope to see all of you again at the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford in April.”

Sarah Bennett, Race Director of Manchester Half Marathon organisers Xtra Mile Events, said: “This is the second time the Manchester Half Marathon has taken place. It is really proving itself as the flattest, fastest and friendliest course in the UK.”

The Manchester Half Marathon was also an occasion to galvanise support for the #WeStandTogether campaign which aims to create a more peaceful Greater Manchester through encouraging acts of kindness across communities. Participants, race officials and onlookers alike raised their arms in solidarity with the #WeStandTogether campaign launched by Manchester Evening News with the Tim Parry Jonathan Ball Peace Foundation, Greater Manchester Police and the families of those who died in the terrorist atrocity last May.

The next Manchester Half Marathon 2018 takes place on October 14th 2018 and entries are now open. The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon takes place April 8^th 2018. Visit www.greatermanchestermarathon.com.