The multi-award-winning Mercer Surrey Half Marathon took place for the fifth year on Sunday 11 March at Woking Leisure Centre.
Thousands of runners and spectators arrived at the Leisure Centre to support this fantastic community event; sponsored for a second year by headline sponsor Mercer. Everyone was welcomed into the buzzing event village to enjoy a wealth of activities on offer; including a double decker biscuit bus (where one could enjoy refreshments with a “bird’s eye view” of the event), face painting, live music, charity stalls and a number of food and drink vendors.
Surrey-based health columnist and PT Ben Short kicked off the proceedings with a mass warm up. 3500 were then called forward to take part in one of the UK’s only fully closed-road half marathon running races; lead by a Mercedes A class vehicle and Woking CC cyclists. Scott overall, who represented Great Britain in the 2012 Olympic Marathon race, crossed the line in 1:08:37.9 to take the win. Jenna Hall finished 1:19:20.0 to take the prize for first lady. All prizes awarded were sponsored by Salming.
The 5km event was won by Kurt Taylor and Katie Hopkins, and 550 children took part in the Kids’ Race, one fo the UK’s largest closed-road running races for children aged 6+. The experience clearly inspired the excitable children – who sprinted the first 100m of their race at what appeared to be twice the pace of the adults before them!
Toby, Becky, Hollie, Rory and Sam (the organisers) extend their thanks to the runners, volunteers, spectators, residents, charities and sponsors, including: title partner Mercer, charity partners Macmillan, Harrison’s Fund and Woking and Sam Beare Hospices; to Corporate Challenge sponsor Morrisons Solicitors, and to GlucoRX, Fitstuff, Salming, Smart London, Synergy Physio Therapy, Woking Leisure Centre, Celebrate Woking, Woking and Guildford Borough Councils and Surrey County Council.
