ATHLETES from Dudley Kingswinford Running Club were amongst the prizes again this week at the Ironbridge Half Marathon.

Ben Foster claimed third place with a time of 1.20.24 behind Paul Ward of Wrekin Road Runners and Shrewsbury AC’s Joe Brocklehurst.

DK’s Matt Biggs returned from injury to clock a time of 1.29.33 in 19th place and Rob Kennard finished in 1.31.23 in 28th place. Kathryn Sneyd came home in 1.53.32 in 276th, Carol Fisher claimed another podium finish taking third in her age group in 1.54.27, Flora Bianco just ducked inside two hours in 1.59.43 and Debbie Richards finished in 2.16.35.

For some a half marathon was not far enough and the lure of the full distance tempted a group of hoops to Manchester for the full marathon.

On what is reported to be the flattest marathon course in the UK, taking in the sights of Manchester before finishing at Old Trafford, many DK runners made their debut over the distance. Mark Gatenby finishing in 3.28.08 on his first attempt, Steve Wood finished in 3.34.53, Marie Latreche came home in 3.54.57, Helen Davies finished in 3.56.38, Richard Tonks in 3.58.53, Alison Whitehouse in 4.19.47 and Phil Morris in 5.50.50 on his debut.