St Patrick's Day Run is a big success

Gabi Read, 215, and Alison Southwell, 214, ran the 5k. Picture: Dave Brawn

They lined up for 5k and 10k races in the event hosted jointly by Believe & Achieve and Balance PT.

And race director Rob Piggott was delighted with a sell-out on St Patrick’s Day as a total of 312 runners completed the event.

He said: ‘We were all really excited about this event.

Piotr Meller won the 10k race. Picture: Dave Brawn

‘It was so popular we added in extra places and even had a waiting list.

‘We will be bringing the event back even bigger and even better in 2017.’

The route took runners from the historic Square Tower in Old Portsmouth across Southsea seafront, towards Eastney Beach and back towards the Square Tower to finish.

Runners were rewarded with medals, refreshments, bottles of Believe & Achieve Ale and the more traditional Irish drink Guinness.

Sarah Butler, wearing 334. Picture: David Brawn

Piotr Meller finished first in the 10k with a time of 39min 20sec.

It was a new personal best and a first race win for the Portsmouth Triathletes ace.

Lisa Calladine finished first lady in a time of 49.25.

Graham Rutter won the 5k with a time of 21.29 and Sarah Butler was first lady (24.40).

With runners dressed in their best Irish themed costumes, the atmosphere was electric.

The next event for Believe & Achieve is the Portsmouth Duathlon Series race two on Sunday, April 17.

See the website fitprorob.biz for more information.

– Nikki Jones

& david brawn