RUNNERS took to the city’s streets for the 2023 Worcester City Runs event which saw thousands of participants and spectators pack into the Faithful City
Over two days, people of all ages and backgrounds took part in a series of events, including Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track and the Worcester City Half Marathon, 10K and Young Athletes Run.
Around 4,000 runners took part this year, as numbers returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Organisers are already looking ahead to the tenth anniversary Worcester City Runs event in 2024, with entries now open with an ‘early bird’ discount.
The Worcester City Runs were organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity, for which many runners raised funds.
This year, the event moved to a new date in the calendar to coincide with the Worcester Paint Festival and Worcester Music Festival. Next year’s tenth anniversary Worcester City Runs will take place September 14 and 15.
As a kick off, the Families on Track saw family groups team up to complete a 10K distance in a continuous relay on laps of either 1,000m, 500m or 250m at Worcester Racecourse.
Event founder Paula Radcliffe was on hand to supervise and joined one lucky team to help them complete their 10K.
In the Worcester City Half Marathon, Alex Lawrence retained his title in a time of 69 minutes and 33 seconds while Karen Cresswell won the women’s race in a very impressive time of 72 minutes 33 seconds, claiming fifth place overall.
The Worcester City 10K was won by Euan Wilson in 31 minutes 14 seconds while Sophie Wood won the women’s race in 35 minutes 36 seconds.
Event founder Steve Cram said: “Once again, Worcester has played host to a brilliant two days of events. From Paula’s Families on Track to the Sunday races, we’ve seen some great running in an excellent atmosphere, and sharing the weekend with the paint and music festivals really added to the buzz in the city.
“We’re delighted that the number of participants has returned to pre-pandemic levels and are already excited about working closely with Worcester City Council and other partners as we build towards the tenth anniversary of the Worcester City Runs in 2024.”
Entries are now open for the 2024 Worcester City Run events at www.worcestercityrun.com
