Ref. 72982-39Hundreds of runners line up to make Swindon's biggest race event in 20 years a runaway success

HUNDREDS of runners will be resting sore limbs today after completing Swindon's biggest running event for 20 years.

After a cold start yesterday, the temperature soon rose as Swindon Half Marathon competitors sweated it out for glory.

Veteran Brian Gardiner, 48, led for most of the route, but with just miles to go sprightly Olympian Matt O'Dowd swept past to claim victory in one hour, 11 minutes and 18 seconds. Giulie Vitale, 38, won the women's contest.

Matt, 28, of Rodbourne, who shot to fame after completing the marathon in Greece, said: "I really enjoyed it. It was a really good course and it felt special running on my home turf."

As well as the main 13.1-mile race there were shorter distances around Coate Water for fun runners.

Three generations of the same family were among more than 1,800 runners who took part in the event.

Mary Harrison, her daughter Sue, and grandson Jakeem, all pulled on their trainers.

The trio, who all live in Wootton Bassett, were almost a foursome, but Sue's husband, Paul Warren, 40, had to pull out because of a football injury.

But there was no stopping Jakeem, 11, who entered the two-mile dash, Mary, 69, who ran the four-mile race and postwoman Sue, 39, who finished the half marathon.

"We've all been running for years," said Mr Warren, a retained firefighter. "It's something we enjoy doing. All you need is a pair of trainers to do it."

Iron man Mike Buss, 30, ran the half marathon wearing a full nuclear, biological and chemical warfare suit, and carrying a 40lb pack on his back, in an attempt to break three records.

He shattered previous times set for 10-mile, 10km and 13.1 distances, beating the previous best for a half marathon of three-and-a-half hours by 21 minutes. The former army physical training officer, of Highworth, said: "I just love exercise. Some people are addicted to smoking but I'm addicted to challenging myself."

Eighty-year-old William Williams was the oldest runner in the field and finished the four-mile race in just over 55 minutes. He entered his first full marathon in Stoke-on-Trent seven years ago and is determined to keep going despite suffering from prostate cancer.

"It came as a huge blow when I was diagnosed in 1999," said Mr Williams, of Southampton. "I'm receiving treatment and feel fine, but I think it has slowed me down."

Race director Peter Robinson said the event was a success, with only a few people suffering from exhaustion. He expects it to be held again next year. "I was very pleased with it, but I would be the first to say things need improving for next year," he said. "I was delighted with the turnout and support."

The Evening Advertiser teamed up with Swindon Council and Nationwide to organise the event. All money raised will go to Age Concern Swindon, the Swindon Cancer Appeal, the NSPCC and the GWR Community Trust.

Ben Payne