THOUSANDS of runners took to the Dorset coastline this weekend for the Run Bournemouth festival, raising over half a million pounds for charity.
The festival kicked off with three junior races on Saturday, closely followed by the Supersonic 5K and the light-up Supernova 5K at dusk.
On Sunday, the Supersonic 10K and half marathon runners joined the start line at Hengistbury Head, taking in the stunning coastal views along the way and crossing the line on Bournemouth’s Pier Approach.
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Szymon Chojnacki from Bournemouth Athletic Club, took first place as the fastest male in the Supersonic 10K, running the distance in 34 minutes and 38 seconds.
Kate Drew from Taunton Athletic Club was the fastest female to run the 10K, achieving a new course record in a time of 36 minutes and 11 seconds.
Read more: GALLERY: Thousands take on Supersonic 10k at Run Bournemouth festival
The Half Marathon runners set off at 10am and shortly after 11am, Dom Willmore of Poole Athletic Club was breaking the tape to take victory in a time of one hour 7 minutes and 30 seconds, also setting a new course record.
Dom said: “It was really good fun today, tough competition but I managed to pull it together in the end. Scott set the pace and I sat behind him for the first 3 miles or so.
It was pretty quick and I thought I was going to have to drop off. We were back and forth the whole way until the last 600 metres where I pulled away to take the win. This is my first Bournemouth Half Marathon and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
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Sophie Delderfield of Vale of Aylesbury Athletic Club was the first female home in a time of one hour 21 minutes and 38 seconds.
She said: “It was really nice to be back in race conditions with lots of support. It took me around a mile to get into my rhythm.
"There was a really nice group of guys who I tagged on to who helped me out a lot during the race. I ran the half marathon back in 2019 so it was really good to be back.”
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This year is the first Run Bournemouth event since 2019, due to the pandemic.
Sandra Scott, event director said: “Massive congratulations to everyone who took part this weekend. The runners have collectively raised over half a million pounds for over 200 of our affiliate charities, and we're so proud of all their efforts.
“It’s been a long wait since October 2019, but we hope the runners enjoyed the new incredible coastal routes and sea views that Christchurch, Boscombe & Bournemouth offer. We look forward to welcoming you all back next year.”
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