PHOTOS: Runners gather at Lancaster quayside for Riverside races

St George's Quay was the setting for the start line of the 'Riverside' half marathons and 10K as part of the Lancaster Race Series.

The races kicked off at 11am on Sunday morning near the George and Dragon pub, with the route winding along the banks of the River Lune.

The course, known for its flat terrain and waterside views, attracted both seasoned athletes aiming for personal bests and casual runners looking for a unique challenge.

A total of 288 runners took part in the event, with 191 of those being half-marathon runners, a unexpectedly higher number than event organiser had hoped for.

Among the competitors, the half marathon was particularly competitive, with elite runners from various running clubs vying for top positions.

The men’s half marathon was won by Lee Parrington from Garstang who is a member of Lancaster and Morecambe Athletics Club, who finished with an impressive time of 1:17:03, narrowly beating Hedley Quinn from Penrith by a mere 17 seconds (with a finishing time of 1:17:20).

In the women’s category, Sarah Cole from Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire led the pack, crossing the finish line in 1:32:03, securing her first win at the Riverside Half Marathon.

The 10K race also saw fierce competition, Natalie Swarbrick taking the women’s title with a time of 41:04, and Callum Queen from Southport clinching the men’s title in 35:21.

Both runners expressed their delight at the victory, praising the event’s organisation and the encouragement from the crowd.

The next local race will be the ‘Morecambe 2024’ race which will include a full marathon, half-marathon and 10K races, taking place on September 29 from 11am at Bare Methodist Church, St Margaret’s Road, Morecambe.

For more details of these events and how you can participate or help be a marshal you can visit HERE.