Newsdesk

Paul Jones on his way to winning the Ironbridge Half Marathon

Paul Jones Shows His Mettle At Ironbridge Half

The Shrewsbury AC runner won the 2023 race in cold and wet conditions.

A historic route, great support and the opportunity to put your best foot forward over the iconic Ironbridge. That was the reality for more than 520 runners at Sunday’s (26 March) Ironbridge Half Marathon with wins for Paul Jones and Megan Tibbetts.

Jones and Tibbetts were amongst a keen field of runners who gathered at Telford Town Park on a wet morning for the 32nd Denso Ironbridge Half Marathon starting at 10am. Always a well organised and friendly event from Telford Harriers, this race is a favourite with local clubs due to the challenging and varied course which includes the Ironbridge – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular visitor attraction.

It’s all about the undulating, multi-terrain route that was downhill for the first 6 miles before changing to uphill on the way back. It went past Blists Hill Museum and Coalport China Museum and into the Ironbridge Gorge, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

There were industrious efforts from those taking part as they dug in up Coalbrookdale Hill and through Rough Park on their way back. Runners then joined the Silkin Way again gearing up for a fast finish at the arena in Telford Town Park.

Paul Jones came fifth in the 2021 race but went four places better this time to become the 2023 winner in 1:16:02. It was a strong display of running from the Shrewsbury AC man who finished more than a minute ahead of Aldridge RC’s Bruce Fanshawe who was second in 1:17:23. Jones’ teammate Dan Elliot was third in 1:17:33.

There was equally strong running from Megan Tibbetts of Lawley Running Club who was the winning female in 1:31:18. Helen Taylor of Telford AC was second female in 1:33:06 with Ali Vaz of Thornbury Running Club third female in 1:33:57.

The complete set of results is available to view via the runABC Midlands Race Listing page. 

A medal, t-shirt and water waited for each finisher as they made their way through the finish funnel, then celebrated their achievement with family and friends.

The weather didn’t dampen enthusiasm for next year’s race which will be held on Sunday 24 March. Entries open soon...

Image courtesy of Chris Richards.

Start Fundraising On GoFundMe

GoFundMe

Previous & Next News

top