Black Country Road Race hailed as a success
The pavements of the Black Country were pounded as runners took part in the annual Black Country Road Race.
The sixth annual edition of the community race, which also marks the start of the Black Country Festival, was hailed as a success by organisers as the weather held out, around 1,000 runners took part and spectators got to enjoy a day of activities and entertainment.
The race now features 5k and 10k events, as well as a family fun run and walk.
The main races started and finished in the centre of Halesowen and the winner of the 5K was James Thie from Cardiff while the first woman home was Sophie Falshaw.
Organiser Alan Bowler, of the Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary club, thanked those who came out and spoke of his pride at how the event has grown over the years.
He said: "It seems to be getting bigger every year, it is growing in popularity so we are all very proud.
"This years event went very well, we had good weather, lots of people came out to watch, lots of runners took part, everybody had a very good time judging by the amount of smiling faces I saw.
"This year we had the pleasure of welcoming Maharishi Dhol, who played some great music to keep the crowds entertained, so I would like to thank them and obviously everybody who came out."
The formal 10k race was added to the event in 2013 with the 5k appearing on the agenda for the first time this year.
Mr Bowler said that organisation for next years event is already underway, with plans in place to keep the race going for a long time.
He said: "As much fun as the event is I have to say that it is a great feeling going home in the afternoon after it is done.
"The planning for next year starts now, I don't see any reason why we can't continue to grow as we have been, people seem to really enjoy the event."
