The Half Marathon in the late 90s

We have been very busy finalising our planning. So, continuing with the Wilmslow Half Marathon’s history.

Continuing on from our last update we have now reached 1997. Chesterfield had just reached the FA Cup Semi-Final. The Government had just lost their majority after Labour win a by-election at Wirral South.

This year it was held on the 23rd of March. Local Stockport runner Bashir returned after 4 years to win the Men’s title again in a time of 1:05:52 which was slightly slower than his time in 1993.  We also saw first athlete outside the UK to win at Wilmslow. Catherine Shum from Ireland won the ladies title in 1:15:23.

The race sponsor was Allsports, a local sports and fashion retailer, their first shop opened in Wilmslow in May 1977, and on the first Saturday it took £866.12.  Our biggest event to date saw 2003 runners complete the course. A strong turnout from Stockport saw them regain the men’s team title. They also came 4th such was their strength in both running and numbers.  And yes you’ve guessed - Stockport grabbed the Ladies Team Title too. Local Wilmslow Runner Ron read was second in the MV70 category.

A year later, in 1998, the race was held on the 29th March. The Millennium Dome construction had begun and the last tin mine - South Crofty - in Cornwall closed.

In Wilmslow we had a biggest number of runners to date – 2535. The last two runners home were in 3 hours 37 seconds. The first runner home, from Morpeth running club, was Ian Hudspith in a time of 1:04:22. Heather Heasman from Altrincham was Ladies Champion in a time of 1:15:59.

Morpeth had the strongest Team and were crowned Men’s team winners. Another strong team Tipton Harriers were second and local club Stockport had to settle for third. Wilmslow came 8th.

The leading Ladies teams were all local. Salford, edged out Altrincham, to win; with Macclesfield 3rd . Wilmslow Ladies were 6th.

1999 saw  Wembley Stadium being sold for £103million. Allsports were back as sponsors for the Half marathon.

Tipton Harriers were back to provide the Individual men’s champion. Nick jones finished 2 minutes ahead of the second place runner in 1:04:00 – setting a new course record.. Local lady Heather was back too to defend her title- even with a slower time of 1:17:00.

2092 runners finished. Stockport were Men’s Team champions again. Wilmslow were third! Altrincham won the ladies team event – making up for last years second place.