2009 Pepper News

Winners All Round at the Berkhamsted Rotary Half Marathon and Fun Run

Perfect weather and running conditions greeted all 1200 Rotary Half Marathon Runners on Sunday 1st March who now look to this event as being the first serious challenge of the season. Many use this race as a serious training marker’ for the full Marathon’s both Nationally and Internationally, attracting many competitors from all over the world.

The success of the Rotary Half Marathon and 5 mile Fun Run, now an established annual event is due largely to the impressive team of the Berkhamsted and Berkhamsted Bulbourne Rotarians, led by Peter Robertson and ably supported by many other volunteers. They provided well-rehearsed and experienced organisation and marshalling skills before and throughout the event. Notwithstanding, this event is considered to be the highlight of their fundraising year as the 2009 field of runners demonstrated by attracting the largest ever number of entrants - a staggering 200 more than last years event.

The 5 mile fun run also attracted a field of over 300 runners comprising of up and coming athletes to school children of varying ages, together with their parents and anyone feeling the need to support the charity.

In a closely fought contest Andrew Cracknell from Dacorum & Tring Athletic Club won the Men’s race in 1.12.45 and Laura Cowley from Herts & Phoenix won the Ladies in 1.21.17 out of a field of 1191 entrants who finished the race. Ben Osborne won the 5 Mile Fun Run out of 360 entrants.

The team winners were Gade Valley Harriers, who retained their trophy from 2008. Jonathan Tweed, Chairman of the Pepper Foundation, the major beneficiary from this event, presented the prizes together with Peter Robertson of the Berkhamsted Rotary, overall event coordinator. The Pepper Foundation also provided a team of volunteers to help with the ‘running’ of the event!

14th July 2009

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