2011 Bristol half marathon
The 23rd Bristol half marathon took place on Sunday 11 September and is now one of the most popular half marathons in the UK. The race is part of the runbristol portfolio of events.
Race organisers had anticipated strong winds and rain - but the 23rd Bristol half marathon turned out to be a near perfect early autumn day. The new flatter, faster course proved a great success - with both participants and spectators all enjoying this great sporting event for the city of Bristol.
Very sadly the day will also be remembered by many for the tragic death of one of the participants who took part. Our thoughts are with his family and friends - but they agreed with us that the passion and enthusiasm of all involved in the 2011 Bristol half marathon should be celebrated.
MENS OPEN
The Men’s Open race was won in fine style by Kenyan Edwin Kipyego returning to Bristol for his second year to defend his title as overall winner with 63.20. Although slower than his time last year, he was able to cruise home well ahead of fellow Kenyan Allan Ndiwa who came second in 65.04. Third place went to Sri Lankan Anuradha Cooray in 66.15 who also runs for the Vale of Aylesbury AC.
WOMENS OPEN
Charnwood AC’s Gemma Steel has enjoyed a fabulous break-though into the international scene both on road and cross country - and true to her billing as the hot favourite for Bristol, won the Women’s Open title in 73.32. Some distance behind Fidelis Chebet made second place in 76.53 closely followed by Bristol & West’s Lucy MacAlister in 76.58.
WHEELCHAIR MEN
The first wheelchair home was David Cooke returning to Bristol for the third year in a row, with a time of 74.44. The runner-up spot went to Jack Eyers who plays wheelchair basketball for Exeter Otters. He originally planned to compete in a basketball chair but had put in some last minute training in a borrowed racing chair and achieved a stunning 72.38 - which was way faster than his original prediction of around 2 hours.
WHEELCHAIR WOMEN
In the Womens Wheelchair race Sarah Piercy came home first clocking 79.12. Runner-up was Julie Darwin who took part in the Bristol 10k race earlier this year, returned for the Bristol half marathon and clocked 108:54.
BRITISH MEN
Narrowly missing out on the medals in the Open race - James Connor (Kent AC) came home with a PB of 66.17 which won him British gold. Tomas Abyu (Salford AC) another runbristol regular - finished 5th overall and second Brit in 66.36. Darren Deed (Bedford & Co) was 6th overall and 3rd Brit with 66.38
BRITISH WOMEN
Winner of the Women’s Open and British race Gemma Steel was followed by vet athletes Lucy MacAlister (B&W) 76.58 in second place and Emma Stepto (Cornwall AC) 77.32.
Further information can be found in the links to the side of this page. If you have any questions about your entry, please call the race hotline on 01782 396 113 or email bristol@frsystems.co.uk