Runners turn out for chilly Watford Half Marathon

By Neil Skinner

Nearly 2,000 runners braved the icy chill of Cassiobury Park this morning as they lined up for the Watford Half Marathon.

The popular annual event saw a diverse field of professional, club and fun runners tackle a gruelling 13 mile route to Croxley Green and back.

The race was won by 26-year-old Scottish athlete Neil Renault in an impressive time of 66 minutes and 58 seconds – 43 seconds ahead of last year's winner, Moroccan Hicham Ettaichmi.

In the women's event, Debbie Walters romped to victory in a time of 76 minutes and 31 seconds.

For most participants, however, the event was simply about taking part and finishing the course, with many raising money for the Peace Hospice along the way.

Nearly 500 eager junior runners, too small to tackle the main event, also took part in range of races before the main event, taking on courses ranging in length from 1,200 metres to 2,500 metres.

Six-year-old runner Charlie Scott, of Christ Church School, Chorleywood, managed a third place finish in the under eight category.

He said: “It was very cold but I really like running and I had a lot of fun today.”

Dad Charlie Snr, who was waiting for wife Davena to cross the line in the main event, added: “I think it’s a brilliant event. It’s a great venue for it and a lot of people have taken part. It’s nice that it caters for all people and all ages. There were a lot of kids taking part today which was also really nice to see.”

Race Director Dick Parles said: “We had a shock this morning when we found a lorry carrying out road works on the course but overall it’s been another very successful event.”