Thompson Flies To Victory In Great Birmingham Run

British runner Chris Thompson clinched victory in the Morrisons Great Birmingham Run half marathon today with a time of 01:03:00.

Hot on his heels, Spain's Ayad Lamdassem took second place in 01:03:02, followed by Norways Sondre Norstad in third position with a time of 01:03:09

The women's race saw Poland's Dominika Napieraj as the first woman over the line in a time of 01:13:39.

She was closely followed by the two Spanish runners Alessandra Aguilar in 01:13:55 and Maria Azcuena Diaz in 01:14:26. 

The event saw 20,000 runners take to the streets of Birmingham city centre, sent off in style by the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year, Birmingham Community Gospel Choir.

Amongst those taking part in the run were Gary Poulton from Birmingham and David Stevenson from Nottingham, both candidates in the current series of BBC's The Apprentice.

The 13.1 mile route passed iconic buildings such as the Bullring, Edgbaston Cricket Ground and Cadbury World in Bournville.  

David Hart, Communications Director of The Great Run Company, said: “The atmosphere at the Great Birmingham Run is always exceptional, and the crowds didn't disappoint this year.

“A brilliant day – we're already looking forward to the Great Birmingham 10k next May and the half marathon next October.”

To enter the Morrisons Great Birmingham 10k 2016 and Morrisons Great Birmingham Run 2016, please visit www.greatrun.org