331 runners took part in 44th Buxton Half Marathon

Hundreds of runners braved the extreme heat and took on one of the UK’s most challenging half marathons.

Organised by the Buxton Athletic Club the race on Sunday, May 24 welcomed 331 runners, including 16 from Buxton AC.

Paul Markall, Race organiser and director from Buxton Athletic Club, said: “The 13.1 mile (21km) route is one of the most challenging and scenic road Half Marathons in the UK and not for the faint hearted with a total ascent of around 1,500 ft (460m).”

The race began at Buxton Opera House, before heading out of town up the first climb along Axe Edge. It then headed along country lanes taking in the sights of Chrome Hill, Dowel Dale and Park House Hill.

Paul said: “There’s a tough uphill section from Glutton Bridge before the route brings the runners back to Buxton and to the finish in Pavilion Gardens.”

Buxton AC organised the race and put together a team of over 100 volunteers, plus a team from Buxton Mountain Rescue, who made sure the event passed safely and without incident.

Buxton Brewery donated bespoke Buxton Half Marathon beers for the prize winners and the bottled Buxton Water was donated by Nestle.

A fun day was had by all.

Paul said: “The men’s race was won by Chris Patterson from Mansfield Harriers in an incredible time of one hour 19 minutes and 13 seconds.

“Ben Light was the first Buxton AC runner, finishing second overall in one hour 21 minutes and 49 seconds.

“The women’s race was won by Joanne Stanfield from Trentham Running Club in one hour 32 minutes 32 seconds.

“Connie Jenneson was the first Buxton AC female and fifth woman overall, finishing in one hour 39 minutes 21 seconds.”

Ben Light, Buxton AC, receiving his prize and trophy for 2nd Male from Buxton AC Club President, Chris Bent.

In the team competition, both Buxton AC men’s and women’s teams finished in a very respectable second place.

Buxton AC thanked all the participants, volunteers, sponsors, the Parkwood Leisure team at Pavilion Gardens and also the residents of Buxton for supporting the event and accommodating any disruption.

Nigel Poole from Congleton Harriers added: “A huge thank you to all in hosting yet another seamlessly run event, it was terrific. “The conditions were challenging and putting on the extra water station was not only welcome, but very wise and a clear sign of an extremely well organised race.”