Sally Raynes sent us this report from the Chobani UK Backward Run:
Heaton Park in Manchester hosted one of the friendliest and wackiest races on the event calendar, The Chobani UK Backward Run and the Forever Manchester Backward Fun Run.
Despite problems with the public transport system 148 competitors turned up to tackle the one mile backwards race around the park. Most of the entrants were from the Manchester area, but there were also representatives from Nottingham, Buxton, Leeds, London, Oxford and France.
The Backward Run is styled on having fun and being inclusive for absolutely everyone to take part no matter what their level of fitness is. It was therefore great to yet again see every age group represented with participants from 5 years old up to 59 years old.
Our fancy dress category was very popular this year with banana’s, wedding singers and elvis to name a few. Our winner was the incredible ten pin bowling pin who went around the entire course backwards, relying entirely on his friends to direct him.
Our first ever team challenge was won by the very smiley and enthusiastic Manchester Roller Derby’s Checkerboards, who were absolutely delighted to have won.
Garret Doherty, 34, from Ireland won the men’s title in a blistering 6 minutes 59, a time most people in the field admitted they would struggle to achieve forwards. Whilst the 2nd man home and vet winner, Nigel Holmes shaved 30 seconds of his time from last year to 8 mins 17. Ruth Travis, 40 from Preston won the women’s title in 12 minutes 40.
Sally Raynes, organiser of the race, said afterwards: ’It’s been a fantastic success. This is our 4th year and the event gets bigger each year. It’s lovely to see competitors from all age groups here’
A huge thank you to Chobani for their sponsorship and supplying complimentary yoghurts to all participants and supporters, to the volunteers and our official charity Forever Manchester.
Race Results
Men’s results
- Garret Doherty – Dublin – 6:50
- Nigel Holmes – Prestwich – 8:17
- David Hodgson – Whitefield – 9:05
Women’s results
- Ruth Travis – Preston – 12:36
- Stef Jiggins – Manchester – 12:50
- Shantelle Gaston-Hird – Altrincham – 13:19
Race Photos
Race Listing
Click here for more information on the UK Backward Run 2013.
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