A new event for Preston, the first ever marathon to be held in the city. Not only that, there was a half marathon and a kids mini-marathon.

Altogether over 4000 runners competed in the races.

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Accomplished athletes took part in the event which was enlivend by entertainment and live music in the centre of Preston with race commentary from Andy O’Sullivan.

From the Marketing Lancashire website, Councillor Peter Rankin, Leader of Preston City Council added: “Organising the Guild Race Series and not least the Marathon event has been a huge undertaking by all involved but we have been extremely pleased with the enthusiasm with which the event has been received, even having to make amendments to the race route in order to accommodate the 4500 registrations. The race is bringing in runners and their supporters from far and wide which has generated new business for the Preston visitor economy. We are hopeful that the mini marathon and half marathon have inspired a number of people to take up the challenge and get active which of course was one of the aims of our designation of UK European City of Sport for 2012. We have done all we can to ensure it is a fantastic event. We need to thank local training clubs and organisations who have supported the event and our event sponsors United Utilities and Foot Traffic. However, when it comes to the weather on the day, all we can do is cross our fingers!”

Fact from the races:

3 paramedics

30 first aiders

6 first aid posts

6 ambulances

25,000 bottles of water

Half marathon 2815 runners 13 miles

Full Marathon 1650 runners 26.2 miles

Mini marathon 50 runners 4.7km.

Around 60% of the registered runners have come from outside of the city of Preston from all corners of the UK – some as far south as Hampshire and Somerset, runners from Scotland and a number travelling in from continental Europe!

Steve Hodgson took these fine pictures of the event:

Here’s another series of excellent pictures from the day taken by Douglas law:

And some from myself……