The fifth Selsdon Half Marathon took place on Saturday March 22nd, hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The race started and finished from the Selsdon chapel at 2-4 Selsdon Park Road, Selsdon, Surrey, with runners participating from all over the country, some from as far afield as Portugal, to take part in this unusually challenging event.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
One hundred and thirty-five runners made their way round the circular route that took them through parts of South Croydon, Sanderstead and Selsdon, around 10 miles south of London. Paul Townsend from East Grinstead said “It is without doubt one of the most friendly and welcoming events I participated in during the year. If the legs are still working next year I may be tempted to visit sunny Selsdon again.” Ashley Talbot from Orpington said, “I just wanted to write and let you know how much I enjoyed the Selsdon Half Marathon today. I have to tell you that I felt it was exceptionally well organised, marshalled and found the course to be challenging and interesting. Thank you for providing me with a fantastic race experience.”
The course record was broken this year by Ernie Hann from Croydon who completed the race in 1 hour 23 minutes and 21 seconds. Dan McCormack from London was in 2nd place (1:23:26) and in third place, Nash Pradhan from West Norwood (1:24:33).
The three fastest ladies were first Marie Chorley from Sydenham in 1:49:14, Trusha Oliver from Selsdon in 1:53:02 and Karen Hallinan from Purley in 1:56:06.
After the costs of holding the event are covered, the remaining proceeds, estimated at over £1,000, will be distributed between the two charities supported by the Selsdon Half Marathon: the 'South East Cancer Help Centre' and 'Reach the Children'.