parkrun and The Running Awards’ community partner, The Running Bug, opened the ceremony with two special recognition awards. Following Goodgym’s inaugural innovation award in 2016, Ben Pochee took the accolade this year thanks to his fresh approach to a classic running event that has reinvigorated elite athletes, The Night of the 10,000m PBs.
Ben Smith’s 401 Challenge, a truly incredible achievement of running the distance of 401 marathons in the same amount of days to raise money and awareness for bullying campaigns was awarded the Inspiration award. To run 401 marathons in 401 days is inspiring enough, but he has gone beyond even this! By touring schools across the country and addressing bullying issues, he is now inspiring the next generation.
As the special awards were being received over dinner with the VIP guests, 75 of the top bloggers enjoyed a unique bloggers forum in the VIP bar. A chance to network, receive a fantastic goody bag featuring the very best shortlisted accessories, enjoy a meet with Dry Robe and chat all things running together! The shortlisted twelve and their guests then joined the main floor to find out who would be the top 3.
As always the winners were decided purely on votes from the running public. With everything from individual blogs and start-up races right up to the biggest brands in the world were recognised. Partners Alpha Crew, Eventbrite, Sports Insight and The Running Bug are to thank for their help in supporting the running industry and keeping it possible for The Running Awards to be decided purely on free votes.
The ceremony finished at 11pm with the Half, Marathon and Charity awards, each of which were divided into large and small following feedback from the community to ensure the best were recognised regardless of size. With voting open until the second the awards opened, it built to a fantastic climax.
For the full list of the best in running as voted by runners click here.
After the top 3 in every category had been justly awarded, the bars opened, companies networked, people danced and a lot celebrated! Hopefully there weren’t too many sore heads among those competing in The Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday.