Tom Merson wins Exeter's Great West Run

Tom Merson from Bristol and West AC retained his winning title at Exeter’s 30th Great West Run 2014 this morning, with a time of one hour nine minutes and twenty one seconds, in good running conditions. In second place was Anders Grahl from Exeter University in one hour ten minutes and thirty seconds, followed by Shaun Antell in one hour ten minutes and forty seconds. 

Merson said: “The course proved to be really fast for the first three to four miles, which helped with the pacing. It was very scenic, and took in everything that Exeter has to offer. It was extremely well supported across the whole route, but particularly at the start and finish line which was moved to the high street last year, and made a huge difference.”

Best women's performances were from Hannah Brooks from Crawley Athletics Club in one hour twenty one minutes and forty five seconds, with Julia Davis finishing in second in one hour twenty three and forty four seconds, and Jane Allison in one hour thirty minutes and thirty ones seconds taking third. 

2,697 runners completed the 13.1 mile race, which was taken over by GO2 last year. Residents came out in their thousands to cheer on the runners, who embraced the event wholeheartedly and contributed hugely to the fantastic atmosphere that the participants experienced throughout the route.

Organisers GO2 were delighted with the turnout and the inspirational crowd support shown by Exeter residents. Jamie Warren, Head of Marketing and Commercial at GO2, said: "Congratulations to each runner that participated in today’s race, and thank you to every spectator that took the time to come out and cheer our runners on. You made a huge difference to their race! We have seen an encouraging increase in race participants, which shows real promise for the future of the event. We also need to make a special mention to all of our 150 volunteers who helped make the event a success. The race had an amazing  atmosphere, and we can’t wait to return again next year!”

The course was also made up of hundreds of charity runners, including family members Daniel Case, Deborah Down and Jade Down who ran for Sophie Joy, aged three, and their ‘Stepping with Sophie Appeal’ to help Sophie with her battles against Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy. Geoff Beale also completed Exeter’s Great West Run to raise funds for Water Aid as part of his challenge to run 50 miles in his 50th birthday year.

In addition to the main race, over 700 school children ran a mile as part of the Schools' Challenge, helping to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West. Cancer Research UK and Devon Air Ambulance Trust, were the Official Charity Partners for this year’s Great West Run.

If you feel inspired by this years runners, pre-registration is now open for next year’s race at www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk where you can sign up to be first to hear when entries open.