Thousands compete in half marathon

An estimated 10,000 runners took part in the 42nd edition of the event, which finished at the Madejski Stadium

Thousands of runners have taken part in Reading’s annual half marathon.

The elite men’s race was won by Ben Cole and Kate Estlea-Morris won the women’s race in the 42nd edition of the event.

Road closures put in place along the route from 06:00 BST have now been lifted.

The 13.1 mile (21km) race route included the centre of Reading, the university campus and finished at the Madejski Stadium.

Ben Cole won the elite men’s race and said the atmosphere in Madejski Stadium was “beyond belief”

More than 10,000 runners took part in the event and Mr Cole described the atmosphere in the stadium as “beyond belief”.

The 38-year-old said: “I feel over the moon, it’s probably the biggest race I’ve ever won in my career. I felt I ran a really strong race, I loved it start to finish.

“I can’t think of any other races that finish in a stadium like this, so to come over the line first in this atmosphere is beyond belief really.”

Kate Estlea-Morris (centre) said she felt proud running through the finish line tape

Ms Estlea-Morris said of her win: “I’m so proud, it was amazing crossing the tape, I’ve never done that before.

“The crowds were so good, honestly they kept me going, I loved it, it was perfect. I’m just so happy with how I did, it was really exciting.”

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