Runners complete 'Rocky steps' half marathon

The Amazing Northampton Run route passes the home stadiums of Northampton Saints, Northamptonshire County Cricket Club and Northampton Town

About 1,500 runners have conquered a half marathon's "Rocky steps" tribute.

There was a record participation in Sunday's Amazing Northampton Run, which challenges runners to climb 34 steps outside Northampton Town's Sixfield Stadium along its route.

Simon Hollis, from race organisers Go Beyond Challenge. said they were the town's answer to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, made famous by Sylvester Stallone in the Rocky films.

The event, which was previously known simply as the Northampton Half Marathon, was first held in 2013.

The 13.1-mile (21.1km) route started and ended on St Giles Street in the town centre and passed by the town’s three premier sports clubs.

As well as the half marathon, there was a shorter 3.3-mile (5.3km) race and a half marathon relay event.

The 34 steps along the route are located at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium - but there is also a ramp

Mr Hollis said Sunday's race was "just incredible".

"We love the town [Northampton]," he said. "It's an amazing place to show people and there was a great buzz.

"Some people complain about the hills, but there's not much we can do about them!"

Runners can often be seen tackling the real Rocky steps, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Until the 2022 edition, the half marathon started in the town before heading out to the surrounding countryside and Brackmills Industrial Estate.

It finished at Delapre Abbey.

The route in future years is expected to include Northampton's Market Square, which will reopen this week following a £10m revamp.