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Sunshine brings record attendance for Marlow 5
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| The Marlow 5 runners begin the race in Higginson Park |
THE soaring temperatures and blazing sunshine saw a record number of people turn out for this year's Marlow 5 fun run.
The five-mile race began at 9.30am, as runners took to the streets for charity.
A total of 1876 enrolled for the run - the highest number ever - but not all of these actually made the race, which is sponsored by Grant & Stone Ltd.
Sally White, entries secretary, said: "It's a lot of Marlow local runners who enter. It's a fun thing to do and it's an easy race."
She added that this year there were 1,730 people who had entered in advance.
Runners began at Higginson Park, dashed through the High Street and town centre, and made their way to the A404 roundabout on a route that takes in Marlow Lock and Gossmore. They finished their race back in Higginson Park.
The first runner back was Owain Jones, 26, who clocked in at 25 minutes, 56 seconds.
Mr Jones won the race last year and wanted to do so again, despite having a knee operation that kept him from running for part of last year.
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| A sumo wrestler, from John Hampden Grammar School, joins the dash |
He said: "It was the best I have run it - the guy who came in second pushed me all the way."
He added that the hot weather was not his favourite running conditions: "I always used to like wet and cold, but I'm getting more used to the warm weather."
The first lady past the line was Hayley Yelling, 34, who achieved a time of 27 minutes and two seconds, coming seventh overall.
The maths teacher from Sir William Borlase's Grammar School in West Street, Marlow, said: "It was so nice the weather was kind to us. I try and do it every year."
She added that there was plenty of support from her pupils during the race.
She said: "I heard a lot of go on miss' on the way round.
"It's got better and better every year. It's a high quality event."
Many of the runners made their dashes for charity.
There was more fundraising in memory of Harry Mills, the 11-year old John Hampden pupil who died from meningitis last year.
The Renaissance Hair Salon in West Street, Marlow raised more than £2,200, and are still collecting at the shop.
A team from John Lewis in High Wycombe had members dressed uncomfortably as Wallace and Gromit costumes, to mark the shop's support of The Wallace and Gromit charity, which works for children's healthcare.
4:15pm Sunday 11th May 2008
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