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Daniel Connolly on his way to victory at the Ironbridge Half Marathon

Daniel Connolly wins Ironbridge Half Marathon

Sara Willhoit was the female winner.

Top day for Telford AC with their men taking first and second place in the Ironbridge Half Marathon (Sunday 7 November). They also took third place in the women’s race.

It was a successful day for Telford Harriers RC, the organisers of the Denso Ironbridge Half Marathon that was delighted to hit the road again following the cancellation of the 2020 race due to Covid-19. This long established and popular race attracts a good mix of participants, from top amateurs to newcomers, all of whom enjoy the experience of running through a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the beginning of the industrial revolution.

There were industrious efforts in this event as runners followed an undulating route on tarmac and trail that started from Telford Town Park, down the Silkin Way and into the Severn Gorge. Then along the old Severn Valley railway line before crossing the world famous Iron Bridge, through Coalbrookdale before returning on the Silkin Way to finish in the Town Park. Everyone treated to sights of Coalport China Museum, Jackfield Tile Works/Museum, Ironbridge and Rough Park in this historical location.

Telford AC’s Daniel Connolly of Telford AC was firing on all cylinders as he raced across the line to win the 31st Ironbridge Half in 1:11:12. Close behind was team mate Dylan Gillett who finished second in 1:11:36 followed by Owen Davies in 1:13:23. 

Impressive running from Sara Willhoit as the Shrewsbury AC star won the women’s race in 1:22:41. There was a gap of nearly eight minutes between her and Jan Cook of Shropshire Shufflers who was second in 1:30:01. Rachel Coupe of Telford AC was third in 1:30:50. 

A full set of results can be found via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page.

The organisers are taking steps to become eco-friendly and Sunday’s race saw finishers receive a medal produced from ethically sourced materials and a bottle of water made from recycled plastic. 

Image courtesy of Chris Richards.

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