WOMEN’S RUNNING READER AWARDS 2018

Back in February we created a longlist of all the key running categories, including races, shoe brands, apparel, inluencers, accessories and retailers. From that longlist, you, our readers, voted for your favourites, which helped create a shortlist of just 10 brands per category. housands of you then voted again for your top choices and here we have the results: the best-loved brands in running as voted by you. So what is your favourite running shoe brand and 10K race? Turn the page to ind the most popular running brands in 2018…

BEST 5K

BEST 5K MK ROCKET 5K

Shoot for the stars on this rapid Rocket run. May 2019 brings the next rocket-fuelled 5k to Stadium MK. The super-speedy, mostly downhill, route has great PB potential and it’s an opportunity to experience the buzz of MK Marathon weekend without the extra mileage. The 5K takes place the day before the MK Marathon and is suitable for runners age 13 and up. Run the Rocket 5K and a main event the next day to gain the awesome MK Challenge Medal.

This is what the Organisers say…

“THIS IS THE THIRD YEAR FOR THE MK ROCKET 5K AND WE HAVE WORKED REALLY HARD TO IMPROVE THE RUNNER EXPERIENCE AND MAKE THIS A FUN AND FAST ADDITION TO THE MK MARATHON WEEKEND. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED FOR US. WE ARE DELIGHTED TO BE THE BEST 5K IN 2018!”

ANDY HULLY, RACE DIRECTOR, MK MARATHON WEEKEND

This is what Women’s Running readers who voted say…

“I absolutely love this 5k as it has such a great atmosphere and is really well organised and suitable for all abilities. The course is really fast with PB potential and there is a real buzz at the inish. Love it!” – Portia Simond

“Very well organised, friendly supportive marshals/volunteers and amazing, buzzing atmosphere all the way! Well done MK Marathon team, you are all AMAZING!” – Niam Hani

“Great 5K, especially if you wanna get a PB. Perfect warm -up run in preparation for the marathon the next day!” – Carly Letch

BEST 10K VITALITY LONDON 10,000

The Vitality London 10,000 has established itself as one of the UK’s most iconic 10K races. A fast and flat course, 2018 saw a record-breaking 14,000+ runners cross the finish line and Sir Mo Farah lead the elite field line-up. The course passes some of London’s most famous buildings including: Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Old Bailey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. In Green Park the Vitality Wellness Festival hosts free events and family-friendly activities including coaching sessions in a range of sports and taster classes. Entry is now open for the 2019 Vitality London 10,000, on Monday 27 May.

This is what the Organisers say…

“WE ARE DELIGHTED THE VITALITY LONDON 10000 HAS WON THIS AWARD. WE WANT TO MAKE THE VITALITY LONDON 10000 THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL 10K IN THE COUNTRY AND I THINK THIS YEAR’S EVENT SHOWED HOW WE ARE PROGRESSING IN THAT GOAL. WE SAW A RECORD-BREAKING 14,445 RUNNERS CROSS THE ICONIC FINISH LINE NEXT TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE WITH SIR MO FARAH LEADING THE WAY. BEHIND SIR MO WE SAW THOUSANDS OF PARTICIPANTS OF ALL AGES, ABILITIES AND BACKGROUNDS – MANY OF WHOM WERE RUNNING A 10K FOR THE FIRST TIME AND MANY MORE RUNNING FOR CHARITY. IT REALLY IS AN EVENT FOR EVERYONE AND WE EXPECT IT TO GET BIGGER AND BETTER IN 2019. ENTRY IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2019 VITALITY LONDON 10,000, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 27 MAY.”

HUGH BRASHER, EVENT DIRECTOR OF THE VITALITY LONDON 10,000

This is what Women’s Running readers who voted say…

“Such an iconic race for everyone to enjoy. The support was incredible all round, it was fast and fun!” - Gem Woodleigh

“I loved this race! There are many sights to see, support was fantastic. Brilliant goodie bag and atmosphere at the finish.” - Sarah Tungstall

“This was my first ever 10K, I loved it. There were lots of supportive runners around me. It’

BEST HALF MARATHON

BEST HALF MARATHON