Ikano Robin Hood Half Marathon - A Festival of Fun and Folklore

The iconic city of Nottingham was transformed into a festival of medieval folklore on Sunday as hundreds of Robin Hoods, Merry Men and Maid Marians descended upon the University Boulevard and Victoria Embankment for the Ikano Robin Hood Half and Mini Marathon.

6,667 runners took to the new fast, flat and flowing course, including 13 male and female elite runners. Luka Rotich, from Kenya, was crowned winner of the men’s half marathon with a course record of 61 minutes. Gold medal position in the female category was awarded to Agnes Chebet, also from Kenya, crossing the line in 73 minutes.

1,260 runners took part in the 1.5 mile Ikano Robin Hood Mini Marathon. The winner of the fun run Alexander Benfield, aged 16 years, crossed the line in 7 minutes 25 seconds while Alice Venkatesan (aged 14 years) led the girls’ pack with a winning time of 9 minutes 5 seconds.

Steve Burnside, from headline sponsor Ikano Financial Services, says: “2012 has certainly been a year to inspire community and sporting spirit; this weekend we witnessed seasoned runners achieving new personal bests, while hundreds of newcomers of all ages were welcomed to the running community. We are extremely proud to have been the headline sponsor in such an iconic year.”

Adam Ward, aged 13 years from Carlton, came second in the mini marathon and explains that it is the biggest race he has ever taken part in: “I loved the mini marathon, it was a great race and the support along the route was fantastic. I can’t wait to come back next year to win gold!”

Robin Hood stole the show with around 400 runners donning the heroic outlaw’s green robe.

Nick Pearson, Managing Director of event organiser, Sweatshop, says: “We would like to congratulate everyone for taking part and hope that this community event has inspired many runners to enjoy physical activity and be the best they can be. It was fantastic to see a hive of activity and celebration in the race village. Thanks extend to the Galleries of Justice for providing the highly entertaining stocks and the Nottingham Playhouse for their games, costumes and golden arrow hunt.”

For further details on this year’s event visit www.robinhoodhalfmarathon.co.uk