Marathon runners raise 20k

For some it took just over two-and-a-half hours to complete – and for others it took more than six. But those who took on this year’s Wolverhampton Marathon all have one thing in common – they showed great dedication and also helped pull in more than £20,000 for charity.

A total of 238 powered through the streets to complete two laps of a gruelling 13-mile track around the city centre and surrounding villages. Philip Hails, who trains with the Witney Road Runners, was the first to complete the final stretch in front of cheering supporters with a time of two hours and 38 minutes.

Click here to see the marathon results.

He was followed by Martin Sanders, of the Ackworth Road Runners, who completed the marathon in two hours and 45 minutes and then Andy Gore, from the Cheltenham Harriers, who finished in two hours and 48 mins.

Julia Myatt was the first female to make it over the finishing line with a time of just over three hours.

A member of Newcastle Staffs Athletics Club, she finished in 16th position overall.

Crowds of well-wishers lined the finishing stretch to welcome home the runners to West Park after completing the 26-mile challenge.

Wolverhampton Marathon, organised by city-based building suppliers Carvers, has made a name for itself as one of the most popular events on the region’s calendar.

Bosses behind the massive fundraising extravaganza said this year’s event has been the biggest and best in its 10-year-history.

Those taking part pulled in cash for a host of charities and good causes including Wolverhampton Rheumatology Support Group, Wolverhampton & Midlands Counties Eye Infirmaries, St Anthony’s Cheshire Home and the Mayoral charity fund.