Bruce and Carter win Oxford Half Marathon 2012

The Oxford Half Marathon, which took place on Sunday 14 October, enjoyed clear blue skies with sunshine, a well received new route and an amazing stadium finish which led to some fantastic results including a large number of PB times.

After a misty and chilly start the sun was out by the time the runners lined up for the 09.30am start, and it turned into a perfect autumn day offering great race conditions.

Official starter Sir Roger Bannister was met by a cheering crowd and was a popular focus for photography as the runners crossed the start line, inspired by the running legend himself to conquer the 13.1 miles ahead.

Residents of Oxford had turned out in large numbers and were lining the streets of their city to cheer on the runners, and the bands who were positioned at key locations around the course also contributed to the fantastic atmosphere experienced by the runners.

David Bruce and Fabian Dows battled it out for the men’s title, with Bruce winning in a gun time of 1:08:35. Runner up Dows finished ten seconds behind in 1:08:45 with Darrell Bellinger from Oxford City Athletics Club third in 1:10:26.

Sophie Carter (Woodstock Harriers) dominated the women’s field and took the title in 1:19:45 with runner up Diana Davis (New Balance Boston) finishing second in 1:21:10. Professional triathlete Yvette Grice took third (1:21:50).

A total of 3032 runners crossed the finish line of the Oxford Half Marathon 2012.

Results summary

Male:

David Bruce: 1:08:35

Fabian Dows: 1:08:45

Darrell Bellinger: 1:10:26

Female:

Sophie Carter: 1:19:45

Diana Davis: 1:21:10

Yvette Grice: 1:21:50

For the full results please go to www.oxfordhalfmarathon.com

"I am proud to say that the Oxford Half Marathon has been a huge success, with people having travelled from all over the UK and Europe to take part in the race," said Oxford Half Marathon Race Director Andy Heyes.

"The city of dreaming spires gave everyone a warm welcome, we have had some great feedback about the new route and everybody loved the finish in the stadium! I would like to express a huge thank you to all our sponsors, and especially to our headline sponsor MINI Plant Oxford. A big thank you also to all the runners, to Sir Roger Bannister for starting the race, to all the marshals, volunteers, bands, and everyone who has been supportive of the race."

MINI Plant Oxford was the Headline Sponsor for the Oxford Half Marathon for the second year. Other partners include Brooks Sports, Up and Running, Garmin, Clif Bar, Moving Comfort, Highland Spring, Tesco, Visit Oxfordshire, Round & About Magazine and Running fitness, with BBC Radio Oxford being the Broadcasting Partner and The Oxford Mail the media partner for the Oxford Half Marathon 2012.

Oxford based charity Helen & Douglas House, a hospice providing care for children and young adults, was the Official Charity Partner for 2012 with thousands of runners also raising money for a range of other charities.

Please go to the event website for further details and full results, and make sure you like the Facebook page and follow @oxfordhalf on Twitter for future updates.

Photo courtesy of Phil O'Connor Photography.