THOUSANDS took to the streets of Stratford for this year’s Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon.
The 38th Stratford Rotary event saw around 3,000 runners from across the country pound the pavements on Sunday (April 28).
Among those taking part was 75-year-old David Phillips, who ran his 500th marathon in the town for charity Brain and Spine Foundation.
Teachers from KES also pulled on their running shoes to raise money for Wheels on Fire, the charity of a former student who was paralysed in an accident. The RSC staff also put their best foot forward, raising funds for Stitch in time – to restore their costume workshop.
But for some winning was the name of the game, and Rachel Davies came first in the women’s marathon, with Orlando Corea from Birchfield Harriers taking top prize in the men’s.
Chloe Richardson from Birchfield Harriers and Matthew Battley from Coventry Godiva Harriers won the half marathon.
Rotary race director Samantha Wheeler said: “We were watching the weather closely with the high winds the day before, but all equipment was safely installed in good time and we had nearly 200 staff on the course throughout the day.
“Our runners have the best experience – and that’s important as they help us raise nearly £90,000 which goes to our local charities, community groups and businesses. With them they bring up to 2,000 supporters who eat and drink in the town and visit the attractions with their families before heading down to the finish line to welcome the runners in.
“The atmosphere throughout the town and especially at the finish area was amazing.”
