Wolverhampton Marathon 2016: Numbers up as runners take on new-look route

Participants ranged from serious club runners to fundraisers in fancy dress.

Some ran and others walked, while cyclists and wheelchair raced also.

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The 19th edition of the Carver Wolverhampton Marathon Events saw participants tackle a new route around the city in a variety of formats - running, walking, cycling or in wheelchairs.

As well as the marathon and the half marathon, there was the Banks's 10k Run, the Cousins 20k Cycle Event, the Callprint Walk in the Park, where participants could stroll around the park at their own pace, and the Children's Mini Marathon.

Kristian Morgan was the first marathon runner home, setting a personal best time of two hours, 50 minutes and 30 seconds in what was his 100th marathon.

He completed his first 26.2-mile distance in the city back in the year 2000.

Mr Morgan was joined by hundreds of competitors, fundraisers and fun-runners in an increased turnout that left organisers delighted.

Stuart Bailey, from Codsall, completed his seventh Wolverhampton half marathon - dressed as Scooby Doo.

The keen fundraiser, 44, said it was the 13th costume he has completed running events in.

So far this year he has raised a total of £2,500, which will be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and Oakwood School.

Mr Bailey said: "It was a different route this year and I really enjoyed it.

"The people in Wolverhampton are great and it was amazing to see so many people cheering - from children all the way to adults."

• Reporter David Cosgrove was in Wolverhampton:

Wolves legend Steve Bull took part in the 20km bike ride, but said he wished his knees were in a better state so he could tackle the run.

Bully said: "It's always great to see so many people turn up.

"Everyone gets a real buzz from it and I think it's a brilliant event.

"Hopefully it can keep getting bigger and bigger every year.

"I would have preferred to have run than ridden a bike but my knees have gone so I've done the ride for the past three years."

Andy Newman, 45, was one-quarter of Wolverhampton's 'Bobsled Team' - who tackled the 13.1-mile half marathon distance decked out in a Jamaican outfit carrying a bodsled.

Mr Newman was accompanied by Neil Hendy, Christian Hughes and Ian Amos.

He said: "We first did it about five years ago - with different people - but didn't do it last year and that many people around Wolverhampton asked us to do it again, so we did.

"We do it two or three times a year to raise money.

"This year's we're raising money for World Cancer Research UK after my mother in law passed away from cancer.

"For us it's not about the time - it's about raising money and putting smiles on people's faces."

Race director Mary Harding said she was 'delighted' with the numbers.

Ms Harding added: "I'm delighted the numbers are up considering we are clashing with two or three other events.

"From a city point of view, this is a nice community event and it brings people out.

"With all of the different events going on there's a lot for people to do, which is the aim of building up the events."

All proceeds from the events go to charities including Compton Hospice, Wolverhampton Rheumatology Support Group, The Haven Wolverhampton and the Mayor of Wolverhampton's chosen charities, which include the MS Therapy Centre in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton Samaritans and Help For Heroes.

The marathon originally started when in 1998 the late Roy Carver, together with Ivan Savage, then-Carvers group sales director, came up with a plan to put the Wolverhampton marathon back on the city events programme.