THE first Baldock half-marathon yesterday (Sunday) has been hailed a success after more than 450 runners crossed the finish line, cheered on by a throng of supporters.

Starting just outside Clothall Common in Baldock and heading out through Wallington and Sandon, before returning to Clothall Common, Jonathan Escalante Phillips crossed the finish line in 1hr 17mins, with the first woman, Jill Christie, coming in at 1hr 22mins.

Cllr Michael Weeks, chairman of North Herts District Council, presented prizes on Baldock High Street.

“It went really well, it was excellent,” said Murray Fastier, race director and Baldock’s town centre manager.

“There were lots of people around town and the feedback from the runners was brilliant.

“Thank you to all the volunteers, marshalls, sponsors and everyone who came out to support the runners.

“It’s the first of what will be a yearly event.”

As part of the race day, there was entertainment on the High Street, including a performance by Garden City Samba and a display of Ferrari cars.

The event was sponsored by Baldock businesses Anglo Precision Engineering, North Hertfordshire Homes, Kindlelight, DB Sharp and L&C Precision Tooling, as well as Nuffield Health in Letchworth GC.