Record entries and phenomenal turnout for Love Luton’s RunFest event
Nearly 2,200 people took part in Sunday’s Runfest marking Love Luton’s 11th record breaking charity event.
The races officially kicked off at 9am from Luton town centre, led by the High Sherriff of Bedfordshire and Love Luton’s mascot, Hearty.
The running courses offered a scenic journey through Lutons streets and Wardown Park. The half marathon route, in particular, showcased the iconic Mansion House and Luton Hoo Estate, creating a truly breathtaking experience with the courses finishing in the town centre, where a crowd of volunteers and spectators cheered on the runners.
The winners shone in their respective categories; Mohammed Elbayan claimed the first place in the male category of the half marathon, clocking an outstanding time of 1hr 7 minutes and 56 seconds. Sophia Cliffe emerged victorious in the female category, completing the half marathon in an impressive time of 1hr 34 minutes.
David Haylett took first place male in the 10k, completing it in 34 minutes and 38 seconds; first placed female was Charlotte Dunham, who completed the race within 39 minutes.
Josh Hampson took first place male in the 5k, completing the course in 15 minutes and 59 seconds with first female place going to Nicole Cashin, who completed the race within a time of 22 minutes and 28 seconds.
The Danny McCormack Memorial Young Runner Award was introduced this year in memory of one of Luton’s most outstanding runners, Danny McCormack, who held many national records and actively volunteered with Love Luton RunFest. Danny sadly passed away last year, so the new award was introduced in his honour; the winners were Matias Iacobuta for the half marathon, Rayaan Shafi for the 10k, and Yahya Mohammed Furqan, who won the 5k award.
