Cumbrian Run street battle for ex-champs
Last updated 11:49, Thursday, 18 September 2008
PAST champions will to compete in this year’s Cumbrian Run.
Dual winner Kassa Tadesse, who won the half marathon in 2002 and 2003, will be joined by 2005 winner Joseph Kipor for the race on Sunday, October 19.
Border Harrier Mike Scott, who won in 2000 and 2001, and last year’s champion Pete Riley, from Leigh Harriers, are also set to take part.
They will form an international field to take on the challenge of a new city-centre route, with the race set to start at Carlisle Castle, taking Botchergate, London Road before heading out to Cumwhinton, Wetheral and Scotby, returning into the city via Warwick Rod before finishing at the Sheepmount.
The route has been changed to try to boost spectator interest and also raise the profile of the race which is in its 26th year.
Some 1200 entries have already been received and race organisers are hoping for a 2,000-strong field – the highest number of runners since the race was relaunched after a break in the early nineties.
Organisers Mike James said: “We’ve been trying to get as many former winners as possible to create an elite field. We want to get the streets of Carlisle lined with spectators to see them in action. Having the race in the city centre will create a far more exciting atmosphere, and the castle will create a great backdrop.
“I have organised this race for nine years now, and I’ve never seen such a strong field competing.
“The good news is that when many elite runners take part they push themselves to the limit which creates a fast time.”
Race record holder Francis Bowen, who clocked 63.34 minutes in 2004 to become the fastest ever winner, won’t be returning as he has running commitments elsewhere.
Fellow Kenyan John Muriithi Mwaniki, who finished second to Joseph Kipor in 2005, will be aiming to go one better after entering the race.
He is in good form, having set a new personal best in the 5,000m at last month’s BMC Nike Grand Prix Final in London with his time of 14:01.53.
* The Cumbrian Run will start at 9.30am and will also include a 1.5-mile family fun run around Bitts Park and a Cumbria Cerebral Palsy Wheels Event, a fun one-mile circuit around the Sheepmount track.
Entries are still available from contacting the run office on 01228 625444 or visit the run website www.greatcumbrianrun.org to download and application pack.
* Appleby runner Dave Cannon won the first ever Cumbrian Run in 1982 in a time of 65:06 minutes.
* Kenyan Francis Bowen holds the race record, clocking 63.34 minutes in 2004 – also the fastest time ever recorded in Cumbria.
* The biggest-ever field was 6,700 in 1983, making it the largest participated event ever in Cumbria.
