Where Kenilworth, Warwickshire
When June 10, 2007
First Man David Warner 33:20
First Woman Monica Williamson 39:48
Last Finisher 1:56:00
No. of Finishers 2,108
For a race to reach its 25th anniversary – as the Two Castles Run did recently – it must be doing something right.
Runners are attracted to the relatively unusual point-to-point course from Warwick Castle through the attractive villages of Hill and Leek Wootton to finish in the grounds of Kenilworth Castle, as well as the impressive castles themselves.
But after 25 years some runners felt this race might have become a victim of its own success. There were complaints from the back of the field that it took several minutes to cross the start line due to the congestion – a problem easily rectified with chip timing – while at the finish many competitors had to queue to receive their medal and were disappointed to discover the race clock was not working. Marshals also seemed confused about where runners should go to catch a bus back to the start.
The crowd support throughout the race was excellent though, particularly on the tough climb up to the finish, and at least the weather didn’t add to the organisers’ problems with the overcast cool day creating perfect running conditions.
Free entry to the castles for competitors was a nice touch, but the organisers will need to address more fundamental issues if this race is to thrive for another 25 years.
