MARATHON world-record holder, Paula Radcliffe, said she was delighted to be part of a “great” Worcester 10k event.
The 40-year-old, who was competing for the first time since April 2012, finished third in Sunday’s (September 21) woman’s race behind 19-year-old Jenny Nesbitt from Barbourne who took gold.
Thousands of people lined the streets as glorious September sunshine bathed the course to watch the main race as well as a run-bike-run event.
The day, organised by former athletics star Steve Cram as part of a new series of races throughout the UK, also saw dozens of young runners compete in a one mile and 3km race.
Reuben Chumba took the honours in the men’s race, while Ben Price and Alison Carr were winners of the Run-Bike-Run competition – which involved a 10km run, 35km bike ride and another 5km run to the finish.
Network Reds won the team event.
Mrs Radcliffe, whose seven-year-old daughter Isla also took part in the Young Athletes Run, said: “It feels amazing to have returned to competing again and it was a joy to run, thanks to all the people who supported us, it was great to see.
“But today wasn’t about me, it was about the people of the city coming together and challenging themselves for a variety or reasons, and I’m delighted myself and my family could be part of what has been a great event.”
Winner Miss Nesbitt, a former pupil at RGS Worcester, said: “I am ecstatic to have won.
“I had no expectations in terms of times, as this is my first ever 10K race.”
Duncan Sharkey, managing director of Worcester City Council, which sponsored the event, said: “With thousands of people taking part or lining the streets to watch, the Worcester 10k event was a great way of showcasing our great city to the nation.
“We’re now looking forward to it being bigger and even better next year.”
