Community spirit shines at inaugural Market Harborough half marathon event
The inaugural Snap Fitness Market Harborough Half Marathon proved a tremendous success on Sunday, 17 May 2026, as around 1,000 runners and enthusiastic spectators came together to create a memorable day for the local community under near-perfect running conditions.
Starting and finishing at the Showground, the event attracted a strong local turnout, with Market Harborough providing the largest group of participants. Runners represented a range of clubs and social groups, including Harborough Athletics Club (HAC), which fielded the largest affiliated team, alongside members of Harborough Social Runners, Harborough Running Crew, and Fleckney & Kibworth Running Club.
One of the standout local performances came from 19-year-old Kibworth runner Lucinda Thompson, an unaffiliated athlete who earned hometown admiration with an outstanding run. Thompson finished as the leading junior and claimed second place overall in the women’s senior race.
She battled strongly through the closing stages to secure 26th place overall against both male and female competitors, clocking an impressive time of 1:28:58.
Victory in the women’s race went to experienced 45-year-old Sarah Terry of Grantham, who crossed the line in 1:28:54 — just four seconds ahead of Thompson. Terry, a former triathlete and independent runner, produced a composed and determined performance throughout.
Kate Lyons of Corby AC finished third in 1:32:32. Other women’s age-group winners included Lucy Packwood (F35), Claire Newman (F50), Den Bonehill (F55), Tracey Ford (F60), and Ellen Norris (F65).
After finishing, Thompson was warmly congratulated by family and supporters, with her proud grandmother among the happiest spectators at the finish line.
“I am happy with my performance. I had a good race,” said Thompson. “Although I am not currently a member of a running club, I may consider joining one in the future.”
In the men’s race, Harvey Speed of Coventry Godiva Harriers delivered a commanding performance on a course many runners described as largely flat but featuring several testing inclines.
Speed moved into the lead after just two miles and steadily increased his advantage to win comfortably in 1:13:29.
“I enjoyed the race. I took command and never looked back,” said the former track runner, who has successfully transitioned to road racing.
Isaac Walter of Northampton Road Running Club finished second in 1:18:05, separating himself by about four minutes to the winner.
Chris Hardy of Grantham finished second in 1:18:05, while Pete Northall and Watson Peel claimed third and fourth places respectively, ahead of men’s Over-40 winner Chris Stuckey.
The age-group categories reflected the depth and quality of the field, with Alex Toll (M55), Ed Greeves (M50), Brian Morris (M65), Phil Symons (Over-70), and Peter Sterling (Over-75) all securing victories in their respective divisions.
Harborough Athletics Club played a major role in the success of the inaugural event, with strong participation throughout the field. Club runners included Chris Burrell, Lewis Parker, Martin Peel, Tom Kershaw, Ben Atkinson-Rowley, Ollie Richardson, Keith Matthewes, Nicola Hazell, Maria Michalak, Katy Angell, Alice Harring, Katy Kanyon, Olivia Smith, Simon Hobbs, Cathy Moran, Paul Finch, Lewis Finch, Kevin Deansdale, Georgia Peirbhai, Sarah Hamilton, Michael Spreadbury, Elaine Keep, Josie Harrison, Carmel Perrin, Jonathan Leech, Christine Barrett, Graeme Rolfe, and Amanda King.