In pictures: Northstowe Half Marathon & Red Balloon 5k is a spring success

This year’s Northstowe Half Marathon & Red Balloon 5k took place in glorious spring sunshine on Sunday (27 April) – and raised thousands for Red Balloon.

The charity offers wellbeing and social re-engagement for young people in Cambridgeshire.

In the half marathon, first place went to Ben Jones, with a time of 1:14:22. Second was Haydn Wade, with a time of 1:18:20, and in third was Ian Hall in 1:21:14.

The first female runner back was Lee Cackett, in 1:30:54, followed by Lisa Walbridge (1:35:12) and Deirdre Dowley (1:35:51).

Meanwhile, a new 5k route saw runners loop around all three Northstowe lakes for the first time.

Nearly 1,000 people completed the races.

Sarah Deboys, Red Balloon’s deputy co-ordinator, said: “We were so proud to have been chosen as the charity partner and our staff, students, parents and trustees have thrown themselves into preparing for the event, including training for the running events, designing the 5k medals, planning games and activities at our stall, and volunteering around the course.

“There were probably 50 people representing Red Balloon Cambridge, and we are immensely proud of them all.

“There were so many incredible moments, but highlights included seeing our student Rupert, who has only just turned 17, cross the finish line for the half marathon, our parent Tasha completing the 5k with her walking frame, and our student Eddie running the 5k in a dinosaur outfit.”

Organiser Marcin Lis said: “This was by far our biggest and best event yet, with entries for the Red Balloon 5k doubling compared to previous years.

“The hot and sunny weather added an extra challenge for runners but helped create a relaxed, picnic-style atmosphere both at the venue and along the course.

“A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers, partners, and sponsors. All profits from the Red Balloon 5k will be donated to the Red Balloon Learner Centre.

“We’ll announce the total amount raised, the chosen charity, and the date of next year’s event very soon.”