NUMBERS were down on this year’s Chippenham Half Marathon compared with previous events as race organisers battled for entrants against a wave of new and well-established races across the country.

Just over 1,200 runners made their way to the start line on Bristol Road on Sunday and race director Ian Wiggin said he was delighted.

“We expected to be down on numbers this year because there was the Swindon race last week and the Great North Run this weekend and runners like to try new races but we are actually quite pleased with the turn out,” he said.

“The weather was kind on the day too, with it being ideal to run in and the rain held off until after the clean-up, which was great.”

The race itself was well contended, despite the lack of elite runners this year, with Daniel Jones flying the flag for Team Bath in the men’s race with a spectacular one hour, 12 minutes and 52 seconds finish.

Hannah Claydon, of the Swindon Harriers, won the women’s race with a one hour, 23 minutes and 27 seconds finish.

“It was a great race this year,” Mr Wiggin said. “It was very well supported by local clubs and the feedback I have had from the runners is fantastic.

“The general consensus is that there was a brilliant atmosphere and good marshals and we are delighted with how it went.”

Thousands of spectators also filled the streets in Chippenham town centre to watch the race.

Profits from this year will also go mainly to the the Rise Trust, which manages children’s centres in Chippenham and north Wiltshire, with smaller amounts being distributed to smaller local charities over the coming weeks.

“I would like to thank the sponsors Siemans and John Williams Heating Services and of course CD Fencing and PAR Foods because without them we would struggle to put this event on as they support us with the logistics of things,” Mr Wiggin said.