Anderton Boat Lift 10k race hailed a success by organisers

More than 300 runners took part in the race, over a course described by many participants as undulating but incredibly scenic.

The runners were sent off on their journey just after 9.30am on Sunday (May 15) and took a route along the banks of the River Weaver and in and out of Marbury Park.

A little more than 36 minutes later, Robin Hulme was crossing the winning line as the race’s first ever winner.

Robin Hulme (centre) was the race winner while Daniel Lightfoot (left) was second and Carl Everall (right) was third

A member of Bramhall Runners, Robin, from Stockport, described his win as a surprise as he has only been running with the club for the past seven months.

“It was a lovely course, really nice,” he said.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever been in the parks around here and I’d definitely come and do it again.

“It’s only my seventh or eighth race, so it was a bit of a surprise to win to be honest.”

320 runners tackled the 10k course

Kevin Harmer, one of the race’s organisers, said he was delighted with how well it had gone and hopes to make it a regular event.

“We had 320 starters,” he said.

“We’ve also got about 50 doing the ‘My First Mile’ inclusive family run, which is really important too.

“Hopefully it’s the first of many races here.

“We chose the area because it’s somewhere we’ve wanted to do for a while.

“It was also identified as a bit of an untapped beauty spot.

“Not only have we got a great event village in the shadows of the boat lift, there are also the interlinking parks, which makes it the perfect route for us.

“It’s not your usual running route either as there are lots of ups and downs.

“I don’t think you can always be “samey” - you’ve got to be fresh with routes.

“The mission of the foundation is to promote health and well-being for everybody and any profits we make from the race will be given back to local good causes.

“So, it’s key for runners to recognise that they’re running to help people in their community.”

The first woman to cross the winning line was Anna Begbie in a time of 41mins 32secs.

Anna Begbie was the first woman to finish