TWO Worcester News readers proved they had the run on hundreds of others from the area to win a ‘race within a race’.

Amanda Bowden and Darren Salisbury came out on top in a competition to see who would be the fastest local runner in the Bupa Great Birmingham Run on Sunday, October 20.

Mr Salisbury pounded out a time of 1.17.29 and Miss Bowden clocked a personal best with a return of 1.29.07.

Mr Salisbury, of Claines, near Worcester, said the windy and hilly conditions meant he was a couple of minutes down on his usual time.

“The event is amazing, with good support all round the course. “I have never done a race where there is 13 miles of complete support from the crowd.”

The 48-year-old, who runs with Black Pear Joggers, Worcester Athletic Club and Malvern Joggers, said he was “flattered” to top the list.

Miss Bowden, of Droitwich, said: “I ran it last year in 1.31, so it was good to get under 1.30. I didn’t feel I ran that well but I managed to get it together and kept my legs moving.

“It’s a pretty nice achievement – I started running competitively in the last two or three years, taking part in a few more events and doing quite well.”

To honour their achievement, the pair will be presented with trophies as well as being granted guaranteed free entry to the 2014 Bupa Great Birmingham Run.

Thomas Ayeko, from Ugan-da, was the winner of the men’s elite race, while Brit-ain’s Gemma Steel and Si-mon Lawson set new course records in the women’s and wheelchair race respectively.

Paralympic golden girl Ellie Simmonds was this year’s honorary starter, with a host of celebrities running the 13.1 miles including celebrity chef Glynn Purnell, former European sprint champion Phil Taylor, ex-footballer Mark Walters and Olympic silver medallist diver Leon Taylor.

In total, about 20,000 runners competed in the race.