Musical accompaniment from Wellingborough Community Gospel Choir motivated runners over the finish line at the Northampton Half Marathon (Sunday 26 September). It was one of several highlights at this successful event from Go Beyond Challenge.

There was rhythmical running at the Northampton Half Marathon & Satra Technology Size 6 (6.9 miles) as participants in these races made the most of a historical course that was a combination of town and country. An energetic warm up courtesy of Virgin Active UK got everyone loosened up and ready for the off at 9.30am from the Guildhall.  

Away they went on a tour of the town, taking in the many sights and sounds whilst volunteers and spectators cheered them on. The four water stations were especially welcome on a very warm day for late September and a team of pacers were also welcome as they helped runners achieve their goals. 

The tour included a climb up ‘pink hill’ and onto Great Houghton with a stunning view of the town below: then downhill through Brackmills Country Park and into the grounds of Delapre Abbey looking resplendent in the autumn sunshine.  

Kenneth Nugent (Donore Harriers) won the 2021 Northampton Half Marathon in 1:12:23. Mark Hill (Rugby and Northampton AC) was second in 1:14:17 and Norbert Mihalik third in 1:15:54. 

Alice Belcher (Wellingborough & District AC) was the winning female in 1:25:52 followed by Natasha Martin in 1:29:02 and Victoria Ayliffe (Wootton Road Runners) in 1:32:08. 

In the Size 6, Chris Lamb was first home in 41:13 followed by Julian Blackwell in 44:17 and Mike Powell in 44:50. 

Kate Robinson was the women’s winner in 52:51. Maria Minett was second in 54:20 with Lisa Humpage third in 55:09. 
 
The full results can be found at the RunABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

Wellingborough Community Gospel Choir was at the finish of this (and the 2019 race) with their performance described as “uplifting” by more than one runner.      

Image courtesy of Adrian Howes Photography.