Despite the torrential rain, over 300 runners took part in this year’s Caterham Rotary Half marathon and 10K event sponsored again by local independent hospital North Downs Caterham.
The distance of both events was linked to the roads surrounding Redhill Aerodrome including the village of Nutfield and was specially measured so that the event was approved and timed to count towards athlete’s performance records as required by UK Athletics.
Organiser of the event Caterham Rotarian Richard York said “More runners over two distances with more sponsors and more supporters getting soaked and loving every minute describes today’s Caterham Rotary event perfectly.”
Runners were encouraged to warm up again this year with Emily Watson of Bunny Hop Dance and Fitness who provided some very rigorous exercise routines to music before the start so the runners were well and truly ready for the off.
Nicola Morgan Sales & Marketing Manager for North Downs Hospital commented: “North Downs Hospital are very proud to yet again be the main sponsor of the Caterham Rotary Half Marathon, it was great to see an increase in numbers from the previous year along with the introduction of a 10k to open the event up to a wider audience. Despite the adverse weather, the numbers still turned out and the feedback from participants was that they loved the route. We very much look forward to continuing our association with this event in years to come and offering physio, sports injury and orthopaedic services to runners.”
The winners were: 10K
1st man – Gareth Parr – South London Harriers – 37.42
2nd man – Patrick Canavan – South London Harriers – 40.08
3rd man – Daniel Evans – 40.14
1st lady – Kaeti MacKenzie – Barnsley AC – 40.45
2nd lady -Sarah Holmes – Reading AC – 41.45
3rd lady – Rachel Lloyd-smith – 44.06
Half Marathon
1st man – James Barker – Chichester Runners – 1.13.41 – New course record
2nd – Crispian Bloomfield – Billericay striders – 1.14.08
3rd – Tim Lunnon – Crawley AC – 1.16.25
1st lady – Georgie Bruinvels – Aldershot, Farnham & District – 1.18.50 – new course record.
2nd – Gemma Bridge Oxford City AC 1.26.12
3rd – Susan McDonald – South London Harriers – 1.33.08
It is our intention to make a donation towards the establishment of the new Macmillan Centre Information Unit, which is being built at East Surrey Hospital.
In addition to the main sponsor North Downs Hospital we would also like to thank the following organisations for their help and support leading up to the event and on the day. (Please click on their links below for full details of their services.)
Yellow Jersey Cycle Insurance,
The Coop – Caterham on the Hill
First Community Health & Care,
New Macmillan Information Centre

Waitrose Caterham staff who volunteered to help support the event as marshals. Photo courtsey of www.caterhamphotography.com