Thousands enjoy sunny Two Castles run

The race, organised by the Kenilworth Rotary Club with the help of Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club, lived up to its reputation as one of the best 10k runs in the country with around 4,000 taking part.

Now in its 30th year, the run started at Warwick Castle, passed through Leek Wootton and finished at Kenilworth Castle. Roads on the route were closed during the morning for safety reasons.

The men’s winner, with a time of 32 minutes 48 seconds was Ryan Kenny of Coventry Godiva Harriers while Amanda Deavy from Northbrook AC was the first woman home in 39 minutes 22 seconds.

First male junior was Patrick Roddy in a time of 35 minutes 37 seconds. First female junior was Julie Emmerson in 42 minutes 23 seconds.

Mayor of Kenilworth George Illingworth, mayor of Warwick Elizabeth Higgins and chairman of Warwickshire County Council Michael Doody presented prizes to the winners.

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Last year the event raised £130,000 for charity and it is hoped a similar amount will be generated this time.

Among the many groups running for charity were four girls raising funds for charity Baby Lifeline who had raised £700 to date. Kenilworth Rotary Club says it will add a percentage to the amounts raised by such groups running in support of recognised charities up to a maximum of £250.

Among the runners was Victor Wixey who two years ago proposed to Andrea Newton at Leek Wootton as they both ran in that year’s event. She accepted and they were married in Kenilworth Castle 18 hours before this year’s run.

They ran this time as Mr and Mrs Wixey and Andrea, wearing a bridal headdress, was carried over the finish line by her new husband.

Richard Thornton, the event’s main sponsor Blythe Liggins solicitors said: “It was a privilege to be associated with the event again which is now such an important part of the Kenilworth, Warwick and Leamington community, which improves year on year.”

Staff from Blythe Liggins also manned a water station along the route and the firm also had the winning team in the ‘non-running clubs’ category.

Kenilworth councillor Dave Shilton, who provided commentary at the finishing line, said: “To see all those runners coming up towards the castle was a sight to behold and absolutely magnificent.

“The Rotary club did a great job organising it as usual.”

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