A record number of runners took to the streets for the tenth anniversary of the Worcester City Runs. Over 5,000 people signed up to take part in events over the weekend, and large crowds turned out to cheer them on. The Worcester City Runs were organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council.
The festival of running began with XO urban orienteering last Thursday evening, as teams raced to complete a course that involved exploring some of the city’s iconic landmarks. On Saturday 14 September, Paula Radcliffe returned to Worcester Racecourse with her Families on Track initiative, when 40 family teams completed a 10K relay together in an event that put the focus on fun. The 2024 Worcester City Runs concluded on Sunday 15 September, as thousands of runners lined up for the popular Worcester City Half Marathon, 10K and Young Athletes Run. Along with leading club runners, many participants were raising funds for good causes, including a team of 130 runners who were supporting Acorns Children’s Hospice, the event’s official charity partner. All three races were started by Deputy Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Matt Lamb, and athletics legend Paula Radcliffe.
Max Parker of Halesowen AC won the 2024 Worcester City Half Marathon in a time of 69 minutes and 10 seconds. Dean Bate of Tipton Harriers was second in 71:41 and Karl Heeley of Amazing Feet Running Club was third in 72:18. Nynke Kuiper of CDF Runners won the women’s race in 83:56, followed by Annabelle Wallace of Team Bath AC (86:39), and Louise Collins of Halesowen AC (86:46).
The Worcester City 10K was won by Adam Peacock of Birmingham Running Athletics & Triathlon Club in 31:34. For the second year in a row, Charlie Jones of Western Tempo was second (31:45), just ahead of Dan Hallam of Wreake & Soar Valley in 31:48. Gemma Wilks won the women’s race in 38:39, followed by Lauren Kennard of Worcester AC (39:32) and Isabella Porteus (40:23).
In the under 11 Young Athletes Run over one mile, the winner was Zac Hope of Worcester AC in 6:44, with clubmate Becky Dunnett second and first girl in 6:51, and Alex Thompson was third overall in 6:58. Third boy was Benjamin Swan (7:10), second girl was Pippa Preston (7:37), and third girl was Millie Butt (7:46). In the under 16 Young Athletes Run over 3k, the winner was Lucas Seyler of Worcester AC in 10:59, followed by Frederick Unwin (11:25) and Ben Bean of Kidderminster and Stourport (11:46). Scarlett Eagland of Cheltenham and County Harriers was first girl and fourth overall in 11:47. Charlotte Ascough of Bromsgrove and Redditch was second girl in 12:09 and Nicole Bevan of Kidderminster and Stourport was third (12:29).
Event founder Steve Cram comments: “It’s been another brilliant weekend of running in Worcester and the event is going from strength to strength. We celebrated the Worcester City Runs’ tenth anniversary with a record number of runners, loads of enthusiastic spectators and fine weather yet again. The city always delivers a brilliant event and we’re grateful to all of the partners, sponsors, participants and volunteers who make it possible. Here’s to the next decade!”
Entries are open for the 2025 Worcester City Run events, taking place on 13 – 14 September next year at www.worcestercityrun.com
