Nearly 200 runners entered the first ever Caterham Rotary Half Marathon held at Redhill Aerodrome on Sunday, 20th July in aid of Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospice Care. The race was inspired by Rotarian Peter Georgiades, who first thought of holding the half marathon two years ago.

Just before the start of the race Peter, who was himself running the half marathon, said: “Two years ago I was dreaming of hundreds of people taking part in the race and it has at last got off the ground. I am absolutely thrilled that it has actually happened. When you see what the Rotary Club can put on I am just a small cog in a big wheel.”

The weather, warm but overcast, was on the humid side for the race which took place in the beautiful country roads around the Aerodrome. Rotarians acted as marshals and manned water stations along the route which was not closed to traffic during the race.

After the event, one of the organisers, Richard York, thanked all the volunteers who got up early to help on the day and said: “We have had some very positive feedback with most adding that they will be back next year. It really was a great team effort.”

One of the runners, Graeme Drysdale, Tweeted: “Thanks to @RotaryCaterham and @niceworkrun for organising a great event at the Caterham Rotary Half Marathon today. I’ll be back next year!” The winner, Matt Collins, finished in 1:20:48 and the full results can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1n39maY. For more information about Caterham Rotary Club go to www.caterhamrotary.org.uk