Those behind Kirkcaldy’s first half marathon in almost three decades have declared the event an awesome success.
More than 900 runners took on the challenging 13.1-mile course round the town and Dysart in blazing sunshine on Sunday, with spectators lining the route to cheer them on.
Already, next year’s Kirkcaldy Parks Half Marathon is being planned, with the intention that the sell-out event will become an annual one.
The men’s race was won by event ambassador and Paralympian Derek Rae, who crossed the Beveridge Park finish line in 70 minutes 23 seconds in front of a home crowd.
First female was fellow ambassador and Fife Athletic Club member Sheena Logan who finished in 84 minutes 44 seconds.
Race director Allan Harley said: “Since its inception in October 2018 the committee has worked tirelessly to bring this event to fruition.
“It’s testament to their hard work that the event went ahead but the real heroes of the day were the 200 plus volunteers who selflessly gave up their time not only on the day but to attend pre-event briefings so the event was safe for the runners, and the public of Kirkcaldy whose support and enthusiasm created an awesome event in the town.”
Fife provost Jim Leishman, who officially opened the event, said: “Well done to everyone involved, the runners, the organisers, volunteers and spectators.
“I was really proud to see so many people out supporting it.”
Kirkcaldy councillor Alistair Cameron, who founded the event with Dave Morton, of Morton Running Company, said: “There was a great atmosphere in the park but the feedback we were most excited about was the amount of people on the streets.
“The community came out and got involved. We definitely want to do this again next year and for a number of years. We don’t want to put in all this effort for one race.”
He applauded support from Fife Council transportation officers and community development team manager Julie Dickson, as well as sponsors, community payback teams, Kirkcaldy4All and Fife All Trades which ensured water stations were stocked.
All 1,200 places in the half marathon sold out, and some of the competitors who dropped out at the last minute did so because of the high temperature.
The route started and finished at Beveridge Park, taking in Dunnikier Park, Dysart Harbour, Ravenscraig Park and the Esplanade.
Organisers said an error made in Ravenscraig Park, when Rae was directed along the wrong route losing him around a minute of his lead, would be reviewed during a debrief.
Mr Cameron said the error was “unfortunate” but an easy one to make at a section of the route which doubled back on itself.
Among other tweaks to be considered for next year will be the transfer deadline for places, which he said people had complained was too early.
Happy to come away frm the inaugural #kdyhalfmarathon with the win today
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Trust me to race in my home town and get sent the wrong way ??
.#Kirkcaldy #halfmarathon #positivevibes #para #athlete #tokyo2020 #ukrunchat #followtheplan #trusttheprocess #fifeac #dreambig ?- @suzb84 pic.twitter.com/WUgWfa4ej5— Derek Rae (@derekrae_85) August 25, 2019
