Even now, with the event over for another year, sponsorship pledges are still pouring in, with over £100,000 expected to be handed to the British Heart Foundation by the time the final total is added up.
One reason for the significant increase in both those running in and watching the half marathon may have been the weather – with the rain that led many to drop out in 2013 replaced by cool temperatures and light fog.
However, charity fundraisers of this kind also generally benefit when they take advantage of local businesses like Print shops in Swindon, and other places, that can help them produce promotional materials like poster and flyer printing.
It is estimated that the total number of half marathon entrants was 1,200, with 24-year-old Richard Batsford the first to cross the finish line. He told the local press:
“It’s just consistency in my training, I think.
“I only entered last week because I have been doing 35 miles per week and regular nine-mile runs which have come quite naturally.”
Batsford finished in just over 79 minutes, surpassing even his own expectations. The first woman to finish was 40-year-old Edwina Shirazian, who broke her own previous record by nine minutes.Get a Free Quote for Print