Town centre 'mobbed' as half marathon returns

Northampton town centre was "mobbed" by spectators who came out in force during rain showers to support runners taking part in an annual half marathon.

Simon Howell, the event director of the Amazing Northampton Run, said it would return next year after its hugely successful fourth event.

"If the plan was to promote Northampton and make people happy, yes, we did it," he said.

"It was a fantastic turnout; so many people watched - about a 1,000 - everyone got involved, it was incredible."

Howell continued: "It was a good day. When I got there at 05:00 BST on Sunday morning, it was absolutely bucketing it down, but then it eased up, so from a running point of view, it was OK. There was a little bit of drizzle and a few light showers.

"The town centre was mobbed - it was a fantastic turnout.

"We will be back for the fifth time next year."

He said more than 1,300 runners took part.

The event started and finished at Market Square, and the route took in many well-known landmarks across the town, including The Guildhall, Franklin's Gardens, the River Nene, The Racecourse and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club.

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