More than 600 runners, and their supporters, took to the streets of Barnstaple on Sunday 29 September for the annual RUN Barnstaple event. The route of this popular event, now in its 2nd year being delivered by Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), showcased the stunning scenery surrounding the historic market town of Barnstaple in North Devon.
In the men’s marathon category Ronnie Richmond from Bideford AAC claimed 1st place with a finish time of 2 hours, 28 minutes and 50 seconds. Followed closely by Arron Kearney from Bideford AAC for 2nd place and 3rd place went to Adam Tango Holland from Tavistock AC.
In the women’s marathon category 1st to cross the finish line was Samantha Baker from the South Molton Strugglers running group with a time of 3 hours, 5 minutes and 56 seconds. 2nd place went to Laura Parker and 3rd place to Keziah Hoskin.
In the half marathon Hamish James grabbed 1st place in the men’s category with a time of 1 hour, 12 minutes and 37 seconds. Swiftly followed by David Nutt from North Devon Road Runners for 2nd place and 3rd place went to Ian Patchett from South West Road Runners.
The winning time in the women’s category for the half marathon was awarded to Louise Small with a time of 1 hour, 15 minutes and 16 seconds. 2nd to cross the finish line was Amie Walker from Best Athletics and 3rd place went to Katie Littlejohns Riches from Okehampton Running Club.
Finally the popular 10k race results for the men’s category saw Ian Rathbone cross the finish line 1st with a winning time of 37 minutes and 39 seconds. 2nd to finish was Gary Blight from Bideford AAC and 3rd was Chris Colwill also from Bideford AAC.
The winning time for the 10k race in the women’s category went to Victoria Loze with a finish time of 42 minutes and 49 seconds. 2nd place was taken by Claire Williamson from Ilfracombe Running Club and 3rd place to Karen Shapland from South West Vets.
Kate Romo, Event Organiser, said:
Well done to all the runners that took part in the marathon, half marathon, 10k and final mile races. It was a fantastic event, despite the challenging weather conditions. Barnstaple is such a beautiful town, especially where the route goes alongside the River Taw and it was amazing to see spectators cheering the runners on at different points along the way. I’m sure it gave them a real boost having that support.
RUN Barnstaple, previously known as Barnstaple Marathon, is a flat and fast course making it very popular with those runners aiming for a PB and has its Certificate of Course Accuracy, recognised by UKA (United Kingdom Athletics), making it the ideal run for those aiming for a Good For Age time for the London Marathon. It is fast becoming an established race in the UK running calendar and next year it is expected to welcome even more runners to North Devon from across the UK.
Kate continued by saying:
We would like to say a huge thank you to our event sponsors Bluebird Care, Ewe Move and Brewin Dolphin. Thank you also to our amazing volunteers and suppliers, we couldn’t have delivered the event without you.
The event has already raised over £46,000 for Children’s Hospice South West.
Registration for RUN Barnstaple 2025, taking place on Sunday 28 September, is now open at www.chsw.org.uk/runbarnstaple
