A MAJOR sporting event on Rubery's calendar has been hailed a success.

More than 100 athletes completed the 13-mile Rubery Half Marathon, which included climbing Beacon Hill twice.

Sporty types also travelled from far and wide to enter the Worcestershire Half Marathon and the free family fun run, all of which kicked off from Rubery Leisure Centre, in Holywell Lane, on Sunday June 16.

'Nifty' Neville Dewson, of Segbourne Road, Rubery, helps organise the annual event, which has now celebrated its third year.

He said: "This event really helps put the name of Rubery on the sporting map.

"We are indebted to the generous locals who stationed themselves around the route as marshals and those who toiled away doing essential tasks at Rubery Leisure Centre where the race started and finished."

Seventeen-year-old James Nickless, of Kineton Road, entered to raise cash for a cause close to his heart.

His effort, which has raised nearly £600 so far, will boost funds at St Mary's Hospice, in Birmingham.

The Waseley Hills High School student chose the cancer care centre following the death of his grandmother. She died from the disease in 2001.

His grandfather was also diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

Mr Dewson said due to an oversight, some runners completed the course but missed out on their medals.

Any runner who failed to receive their finishers memento can call Mr Dewson on 0121 680 5092 or e-mail contact@ruberyhalf.fsnet.co.uk