Mud, rain and jam hit industry half-marathon

More than 5000 runners streamed around Windsor Great Park in the 18th Building Industry Half-Marathon last Sunday. Last year’s winner, Gary Bishop of Boxhill Racers, was pipped at the post by Vincent Garner of AF&D Athletics Club in a time of 1 hour 9 minutes and 3 seconds. Bishop, who was neck-and-neck with Garner until the final 20 m, came in only 5 seconds behind.

The event was marred by wet weather, which meant that only one car park was open. Some runners had to queue for more than half an hour to park their cars in a muddy field. Consequently, many runners were late for the start, which was delayed 15 minutes to 1.15pm.

Building’s senior reporter Hannah Baldock was caught in the jam and only started the race at 2pm, but completed the course in 2 hours. The organisers threatened to withdraw marshalling and other support for others who arrived later.

The event started in brilliant sunshine, with the first drops of rain falling as runners approached the mile mark. While this was good news for overheated runners, it marked the start of a miserable day for spectators. The drizzle continued for the length of the race making the tented village a quagmire.

Building assistant editor Andy Cook hobbled home in 2 hours 15 minutes after a race-long battle with newly retired Taylor Woodrow chairman Colin Parsons.

The times of the top 500 runners and top teams will be published in next week’s magazine.