THOUSANDS braved the elements to watch Wilmslow's favourite sporting event on Sunday and saw Kenyan runner Isaac Macharia storm the course in the fastest ever Wilmslow Half Marathon.
He finished in record time - just sixty one minutes and 52 seconds to complete the 13 mile route - and picked up a bonus as well as his prize money in the 20th anniversary race.
Greeted by a thunder of applause he was followed closely by five of his countrymen who led the field home in yet another spectacular run organised by Wilmslow Running Club.
After his triumph he paid tribute to the stamina of front challengers.: "I wasn't sure I was going to win because there were some very strong runners," he said.
Strong winds and showers dominated the race and were a force to be reckoned with according to seasoned athletes including stalwart, Paul Green, who finished eighth. "The time was outside my personal best but, considering the conditions, I was quite pleased," he said.
The women's race was won by Hawa Hussein, making her debut, who beat off a challenge by Mara Yamauchi in the closing stages.
Top charity runner was Chris Birchall, for East Cheshire Hospice, who ranked 15th and Wilmslow's fastest was Tom McGaff who clocked the finishing line at 74 minutes and 23 seconds.
Peter Nelson, spokesman for organisers thanked sponsors, all:sports, a company which began its retail empire in Wilmslow and running shoe specialists, ASICS. He added: "It was a great success despite the weather with 3241 finishers and a new course record."
The Adult Leukaemia Unit of the Christie Hospital is the official beneficiary of 2004 race and is set to receive a major bonus to its funds thanks to more than 800 runners who ran under its banner.
