2012

Race Director Andy Hully was overwhelmed by the level of support for the event.  “The spirit and determination shown by runners, volunteers and spectators today has been truly amazing,” said Andy.  “The people of Milton Keynes have really done themselves proud by coming out to support brave competitors from our city and all over the UK and abroad.  We couldn’t have asked for better people at this event, their positive attitude filled me with admiration and made the day great.”

Over £1.2 million was raised for charity by runners in the first Milton Keynes Marathon. This figure is set to grow over the coming years as the event has the fall backing of the Milton Keynes Council, who want the race to become a major event on the national sporting calendar.

Olympic marathon runner and Commonwealth Games medallist Liz Yelling started the race as lead motorcyclists from SERV Bloodrunners took the runners down the first mile of the course.  Lead cyclists from Trek Bicycles then took the pack around over 26 miles of lakes, parks and woodlands of Milton Keynes. Tail riders from David Lloyd Redway Runners and ElliptiGo UK ensured the final runners safely reached their emotional finish inside stadiummk, home of MK Dons FC, where that all important marathon medal and a hug from a loved one in the crowd was waiting.

Many runners had donned their fancy dress costumes and spectators were out in force with banners to wave and horns to blow as their friends and family ran by.  Support out on the course from DW Sport Fitness, FreshFit MK, Cancer Research UK, fitMK, David Lloyd Redway Runners, British Military Fitness and their many willing and able volunteers made all the difference to tired runners.

The race was won and new course record set by Dave Mitchinson of Mizuno Race Team in an impressive time of Two hours 41 minutes and 54 seconds.  Yvette Grice was first lady home in three hours 23 seconds. The Geoffrey Leaver Corporate Relay Challenge was won by the team from MIB Motor Insurance Bureau.  Winner of the MKM Young Athlete Award (cash donation towards training costs) was Daniel Oderinde from Milton Keynes.