Runners’ Williams possesses the Magic touch

Runners line up ahead of the Magic Mile event in Warwick.

The friendly race, which formed part of the Warwickshire Big Day Out event, challenged runners to post the quickest time on a mile-long course run over a single lap around St Nicholas Park in Warwick.

Thirty-nine runners took part with runners split according to predicted times.

Setting off in the first wave, Williams and Whiting led from the off, staying level through the first two bends, where Whiting benefited from the inside line.

Once the course straightened after about 200m, Williams took the lead and maintained his advantage to finish first in 5:30, two seconds ahead of second-placed Whiting.

Hampton Magna Runners’ Michael Bell was third in 5:36, with Courier and Weekly News sports editor Paul Okey fourth in 5:45.

Kenilworth Runners’ Ros Brooks chose to set off with the second wave and posted 7:07, the quickest ladies time of the day.