It was 730 days since the last Run Bournemouth weekend but on Saturday and Sunday (9-10 October) around 5,000 runners and a 1,000 strong volunteer army brought the streets and coastline of Dorset's favourite resort to life as only mass participation running events can.

Ben Faulkner (4:51) and Veronica McGonigle (4:58) set the tone with spirited wins in the Kids Kilo on Saturday. The Junior 1.5K went to Tommy Ballingall (5:59) and Imogen Snaith (6:39) while the next age group winners in the Junior 2K were Harry Butcher (6:50) and Esmee Hurst Atkins (7:23).

With 500 stars of the future having raced it was time for the two 5K events. Supersonic 5K on Saturday afternoon saw M40 Daniel Piper (17:09) and Amelia Cox (18:54) lead 315 home and the Saturday evening Supernova 5K attracted 548 runners who followed the pace set by M45 James Eden (17:11) and W45 Kathryn Chapman (19:23). 

Sunday morning started with 827 finishers in Supersonic 10K action. Szymon Chojnacki (Bournemouth AC, 34:38) led the way and Kate Drew (Taunton AC, 36:09) was an excellent third overall to win the women's race in a new course record. The women's rostrum is pictured above (Kate Drew centre). 

Top of the bill was Bournemouth Half Marathon with 2,672 official finishers and a terrific battle for supremacy won by first-time entrant Dom Willmore (Poole AC, 1:07:30) by 10 seconds from Scott Cousins (Springfield Striders, 1:07:40). Rob McTaggart (Bournemouth AC, 1:11:49) completed the men's podium.

Defending 2019 champion Sophie Delderfield (Vale of Aylesbury AC, 1:21:38) took the top women's award from Natalie Lawrence (Wight Tri, 1:27:01) and Victoria Walls (1:28:09). 

Sandra Scott, Event Director was delighted with the return of Run Bournemouth, saying: "It's been a fantastic weekend for Run Bournemouth. We're always left in awe of the number of incredible participants who put so much time and passion into their running challenges. The runners have raised over half a million pounds for over 200 of our affiliate charities and we're so proud of their efforts".      

Sandra concluded: "It’s been a long wait since October 2019, but we hope the runners enjoyed the new incredible coastal routes and sea views that Christchurch, Boscombe, and Bournemouth offer. We look forward to welcoming you all back next year!”

Results are available via runABC South race listing and the Run Bournemouth website 

Image courtesy Run Bournemouth on Facebook