Posted: April 2, 2006

Athletics: A Crack’ing Breakfast Run

James Cracknell’s running debut at the Asics Kingston Breakfast Run

Sunday April 2nd 2006…..today saw over 4000 athletes compete (from 5000 entrants) in the 10th annual Asics Kingston Breakfast Run. Amongst the runners that tackled either the 8.2 mile or 16 mile courses were Alastair Campbell (former Communications Director) and James Cracknell (double Olympic gold medallist) who completed the 16 mile event in 1h47m and 2h29ms respectively.

A cornerstone of the British running calendar, the Breakfast Run traditionally marks the start of the racing calendar for many club and fun runners alike, with the 16 mile event serving as a the perfect preparation for the London Marathon a mere 21 days away. For James Cracknell, who has only recently returned from his successful rowing challenge across the Atlantic with Ben Fogle, the day has shown that he will be in good form in three weeks time where he hopes to break the three hour mark in the London Marathon.

The 8.2 mile race

At 8am on a crisp and cool, sunny spring morning the start of the 8.2 mile event saw runners head out through Kingston town centre’s historic market place over Kingston Bridge and then turn along the Thames towpath passing Hampton Court Palace before crossing back over the river at Hampton Court Bridge, and winding their way back to the start in Kingston. Over the extremely fast and flat course returning champion Phil Wicks (Great Britain U23 international and Belgrave Harriers) saw off the opposition, breaking his own course record in a time of 40m15s, with his closet rival over four minutes behind. (See results below)

In the women’s race ex-GB international (triathlon, duathlon and road running) Annie Emmerson led from start to finish winning the women’s race in a time of 47m50s to come 7th overall.

On his victory Phil commented: “It was a fantastic race in ideal conditions. I went off hard with the intention of breaking my own record, and felt confident throughout as no one was able to stick with me.”

Main event

Taking in two laps of the scenic Kingston course, the 16 mile event saw a host of celebrities join the club and fun runners including Cracknell, Campbell, BBC Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon and CBBC presenter Angellica Bell amongst others.

Leading the celebrities’ home was Cracknell in the time of 1h47m40s, who had the extra incentive to finish quickly in time to present the ‘Boat Race’.

On his run James commented: “I had a really enjoyable race, I went off with the goal of running my marathon pace and coming in under 1h50m and felt good all the way round. The race was fantastically well organised and the perfect warm-up for London.”

On the elite side it was a day marked by the dominance of the Serpentine running club with Simon Barrett and Barbara Yff taking the overall victories in times of 1h29m and 1h41m respectively. With both athletes running in the London Marathon, the Serpentine club must be feeling quite confident for domestic success at the AAA’s marathon championships that form a part.

On the success of the day John Lunt, Director of Human Race, the event’s organisers, commented “With a record number of entries and the support of Asics and all our sponsors, partners and all our volunteers, the Kingston Breakfast Run is growing from strength to strength.”

He continues “With the conditions on our side and thousands of spectators on the course it was no wonder that for Phil and many a runner the day was marked by course and individual PB’s.”

For full race results and information on the Asics Kingston Breakfast Run or for details of other Human Race events including the Timex Women’s Only Triathlon or the Asics Kingston Running Festival visit www.humanrace.co.uk.

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