Image courtesy of @emmapoodle

Now in its 14^th year, the Lidl Kingston Breakfast Run is a true tradition in the London running calendar. Taking place just weeks before marathon season, the event attracts thousands of runners working their way towards their spring marathon goal as well as those who want to enjoy running through the picturesque market town and unique atmosphere the event creates.

This year participants were greeted with a crisp, sunny and beautiful spring morning, ideal for running the 8.2, 16.2 or 20.1 mile distances on offer, although a little chilly in the early hours as we waited to get underway.

First up were the 20 milers. The 20.1 mile distance is a more recent addition to the Lidl Kingston Breakfast Run and it’s proved very popular, selling out well in advance of the event day. Those lucky enough to secure a place gathered at the start line looking fit and ready (as you’d expect!) and set off nice and early – well, around breakfast time funnily enough!

With the 20.1 milers well underway it was the turn of the 16.2 mile and 8.2 mile competitors who were set off together. A huge sea of runners filled the High Street with the black and yellow flags of the Human Race Pace Team peeping through; groups in all three distances followed a large number of pacers around the course, helping them towards their PB or marathon training goals.

Now that all of the runners were out on the course, the crowds gathered in the beautiful Kingston Market Square, AKA the “event village”, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the first 20.1 mile runners. It wasn’t too long before Charles Ogilvie came storming around the bend to rapturous applause.

And it was Charles who continued to lead and take the crown in the men’s 20.1 mile distance, blowing the rest of the field away with a brilliant time of 1:56:33. Following in second was Pawel Bal (1:57:50) and third Jonathan Stirling (1:58:56).

Charles, addressing the crowds in the event village, commented: “It was a great morning for it and I felt very good. I’m training for London (Marathon) and was using today to see where I stood; I felt pretty good.”

First female by an incredible distance was Rose Penfold (2:11:06) who won the women’s race by over six and half minutes. Finishing second was Alexandra Longton of Hillingdon Athletic Club (2:17:38), and third place was Kate Carter (2:19:50).

In the 16.2 mile men’s race George King flew home in 1:33:17, close to a minute ahead of his nearest rivals. George said, “It was windy for the last couple of miles coming back in, but it was a good race and I’m happy I came first!” Finishing second was Robert Barnes (1:34:14) and third Tim Lawrence (1:36:34).

The women’s race was absolutely dominated by Isabel Clarke, who finished in a stunning time of 1:36:47, making her the 4^th fastest runner over the distance and of course the fastest female. Following behind were Sarah Hazel (1:46:39) in second and Justine Lynch (1:49:43) in third.

Andy Goddard was the winner in the men’s 8.2 mile race finishing in a very impressive time of 46:55, closely followed by junior athlete Matt Grantham (47:17) and Adam Harwood (48:16).

In the women’s race Cat Doyle was the victor with a winning time of 55:15 ahead of Sophie Tabor (57:38) and Natasha Mosscrop (59:02).

Well done to all of our winners, podium finishers and of course to everyone who completed an 8.2, 16.2 or 20.1 mile run at the event! A full list of results from the run can be seen on our website and official photos are available on SportCam.

Another great tradition of the event is the fantastic goody bag provided by Lidl at the finish line. I tried to make off with one, but was firmly rebuffed – clearly I had to run at least 8 miles to earn one of those and too right, but I’m sure the runners will be enjoying the contents of these for the next few mornings!

And so it came to the end of another Lidl Kingston Breakfast Run… early morning running, sunny Kingston, another step on the marathon journey for some and thousands raised for Official Charity Breast Cancer Care, what more could anyone want?

Next up in the Human Race running calendar is VitalityMove, a new music powered 10k and 5k running event created by Jessica Ennis-Hill – find out more at www.VitalityMove.co.uk.