Photo galleries: Thousands brave rain to compete in 30th City of Norwich Half Marathon
Larking Gowen: City of Norwich Half Marathon 2014 at the Norfolk Showground.Picture: James Bass - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2014
The wet and muddy conditions failed to deter a field of more than 2,000 taking to the start line for Sunday's City of Norwich Half Marathon.
Although the number, 2,235, was significantly less than the 3,250 who had registered for the 30th staging of the 13.1-mile race, the rain failed to entirely dampen the spirits of the runners.
While each competitor had a reason of their own to arrive at the Norfolk Showground for the 11am start, there was still the serious business of the prestige of becoming the winner – and pocketing the £250 first-place prize.
That honour went to Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers' Dan Watts. He completed the course in a time of one hour, eight minutes and eight seconds – just 14 seconds ahead of his twin brother Glen Watts. Completing a Harriers' podium was Kojo Kyereme.
The winning Richmond-based athlete, taking on his first Norwich Half, said: 'I'm very pleased. It wasn't really that cold once you got going but it was quite a tough course and there were lots of puddles to avoid.
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The ladies' champion for 2014 was Colchester Harriers' Sarah Stradling who came out on the right side of a thrilling sprint finish with defending back-to-back title holder Daisy Glover.
It was Stradling's fifth victory at the Norwich showcase making her the most successful competitor of all time.
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Stradling, whose last triumph came in 2011, said: 'Daisy made me work for it. But we both kind of used each other a bit as we were both here trying to do the same thing (win it). This is the first time I've seen Daisy since she beat me a couple of years ago because I've not been around much.
'I always love to see other runners do well and we both put in as much effort as each other. It was just yesterday was my day, like two years ago was Daisy's day.'
In our special section, in association with Norwich's Pilch Sport, you can enjoy reports, photos, videos and live coverage, visit http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/norwich-half-marathon-2014
Pick up Monday's Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News for a voucher to save 15pc off your next purchase of running clothing and footwear at Pilch Sport
For more information about the half marathon, including the results, visit http://cityofnorwichhalfmarathon.com/
