Tipton on top at the B’ham Black Country Half
Outstanding performances by this West Midlands club.
It was a good day at the office for Tipton Harriers who were in bostin’ form at the Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon (Saturday 3 July). Their men’s team took the first 6 places in this canal themed race.
Their green and white striped vests were a distinctive feature as over 650 runners – many from local clubs, stepped out along the canal towpath between Wolverhampton and Birmingham. Conditions were overcast and wet as they ran hard and fast on a mainly flat course except for the bridges and locks that included the 360 metre long Coseley Tunnel.
This was a point to point race using a time trial format based on runners predicted finishing times. Participants started in waves between 8am and 12 noon Saturday, heading off from the Canal & River Trust Boat Yard in Wolverhampton on a mix of smooth tarmac, trails and gravel tracks. They stayed hydrated via the floating aid stations (narrowboats) every three miles with the opportunity for further topping up in the pubs and bars on Brindley Place afterwards.
The Tipton Harriers men looked strong and in control as they continued towards Birmingham and the finish at Brindley Place. Spectators on the bridge cheered them across the line.
Ian Williams of Tipton Harriers was the winner of the 2021 Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon in 1:15:25. Teammate Gary Whitehouse was second in 1:15:34 followed by another teammate Dean Bate in 1:16:30. Todd Quiney was fourth in 1:16:42, Dan Lewis fifth in 1:19:19 and Tom Acha sixth in 1:21:19.
Nicola Davies was the winning female in 1:27:31.
The full set of results can be viewed via the RunABC Midlands Race Listings page.
A bespoke medal and goody bag for each finisher then a well earned drink in Brindley Place.
Image courtesy of Christian Lomax.