In Pictures: Nearly 2,000 runners put their best foot forward to take part in the Warwick Half Marathon

Crowds gathered along the streets of Warwick as around 1,800 runners took part in The Wigley Group Warwick Half Marathon, helping to raise funds for charities.

The 13.1-mile race took place last Sunday (February 5) returning in its third year of sponsorship by Warwickshire property company The Wigley Group.

This year’s race was arranged by new organisers Run Through, who had also revamped the race with the addition of a one-kilometre race for children, which saw more than 50 kids take part.

The race, which started and finished at Warwick Racecourse, saw Jake Watson of Worcester AC take the top spot in the male category, securing victory in one hour, nine minutes and 21 seconds, three seconds ahead of second-placed Ben Kruze of Stratford-upon Avon AC, with Guy Allen of Leamington Cycling Athletics Club in third.

Natalie Bhangal of Leamington C&AC was the first to finish in the female category, coming across the line in one hour, 24 minutes and 25 seconds, ahead of Kate Wright of Stratford and Lucie Tait-Harris who battled for second and third place.

The day also included live music from rock and roll band The Artichokes, as well as a host of food and drink stalls in the Event Village.

James Davies, chief executive officer of The Wigley Group, which is based in Southam, said “We are delighted to sponsor this year’s Warwick Half Marathon and continue our support of this popular community activity, which is a standout event in the regional sporting calendar.

“It was great to see all the runners including The Wigley Group’s own team racing, having fun, getting active and raising funds for a range of worthwhile charities on the streets of Warwick.”

Rob Sullivan, events and operations manager at Run Through, said: “The race was a roaring success – we had more than double the number of participants compared to last year and it was great to see everyone out, about and getting involved.

“Congratulations and thank you to our category winners, spectators and everyone who took part in the half marathon for making it such a wonderful day.”