Great turn out for the first ever SportPursuit Conwy Marathon
More than 200 runners from all across the UK descended on Llandudno Promenade on Sunday 31st March for the first ever SportPursuit Conwy Marathon.
Organised by Always Aim High Events, the inaugural event is the first full road marathon to be staged in Conwy and the first in Always Aim High Events history. Attracting all levels of runners, the SportPursuit Conwy Marathon had everyone from experienced marathon runners and endurance athletes to those who are looking to take on that extra challenge for the first time.
The route took runners around the awe inspiring Great Orme, The Conwy Castle World Heritage Site, to the beautiful Colwyn Bay Promenade before doubling back along the stunning beach front to finish back in Llandudno. Covering 26 stunning miles of Conwy coastline, the route combined fast running and quiet country roads to give the perfect marathon experience.
The start and finish line on the iconic Victorian Promenade in Llandudno attracted over 1000 spectators to cheer the runners out and welcome them back at the end of their adventure. With all of the participants, the first year of the SportPursuit Conwy Marathon has attracted an economic boost of approximately £500k to the area of Llandudno and Conwy over the weekend. Looking at the stunning scenery, the awesome course, and amazing welcome the runners receive, it’s hard to see why the event won’t grow to be a firm favourite among the Marathon running community
The weather played it’s part too; conditions were perfect for running. Ideal for an early season personal best and showing the full course off in all its glory.
The marathon got underway at 9am with over 200 runners gathered on the start line ready for the off. The women’s race was won by Andrea Rowlands (Eryri Harriers) with a time of 03:11:21. The battle for second and third was a very closely fought affair with Miranda Frudd beating Jennifer Houghton (Kirkby Milers) to the line by just 2 seconds!
The men’s race was a another close run thing with Martin Green (North Wales Road Runners) taking the win in a time of 02:44:47, with Alan Bodden in second with a time of 02:52:12 and Ian Edwards (Eryri Harriers) 02:52:48.
Tim Lloyd, Director of Always Aim High Events, the race organiser said: “There’s always something special about staging a new event and the SportPursuit Conwy Marathon has been no different. The runners who have taken part have been incredible throughout and it’s amazing to see.
“The weather has played a big part and conditions for running have been perfect all weekend. It’s great to see people from all over the UK coming to Llandudno and experiencing everything it has to offer. Hopefully this won’t be the last event they travel to North Wales to take part in.
“The beautiful weather really boosted our runners’ spirits and it really is incredible to see the look of achievement on their faces when they cross the line. We’re immensely proud that we can give a platform to runners raising money for all sorts of different worthy causes too.”
“There are high hopes for the event in the future and this year has been the ideal start. We’ve got some great additions up our sleeves for the years to come so watch this space!”
“We’d like to thank all of the race partners, in particular the headline sponsor - SportPursuit and Conwy County Borough Council for their continued support. As well as all of the local communities that turned out to support the runners around the course”.
“Lastly, we’d like to our amazing marshals and volunteers, without whom we the race just wouldn’t be possible”.
Full race timings for the 2019 SportPursuit Conwy Marathon can be found at tdleventservices.co.uk. Race photography was provided by Mel Parry Event Images - you can see all the pictures from today’s event https://eventimagesbymelparry.zenfolio.com/conwy-marathon-2019
For more information on 2019’s race, visit alwaysaimhighevents.com
Selected 2019 SportPursuit Conwy Marathon Results
2019 SportPursuit Conwy Marathon
Men
- Martin Green 02:44:47
- Alan Bodden 02:52:12
- Ian Edwards 02:52:48
- Ben Barker 02:55:26
- Andrew Birch 03:01:00
Women
- Andrea Rowlands 03:11:21
- Miranda Frudd 03:15:18
- Jennifer Houghton 03:15:20
- Gemma Moore 03:16:12
- Keely Smith 03:20:28
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