Caterpillar joins thousands in Robin Hood Half Marathon

Four runners ran this year's Robin Hood Half Marathon in a Very Hungry Caterpillar costume

The Very Hungry Caterpillar was among thousands of people who took part in this year's Robin Hood Half Marathon in Nottingham.

More than 14,000 participants signed up for the full course and the shorter mini marathon on Sunday – which organisers said was a record – with almost 10,500 crossing the finish line on the day.

The annual race around the city streets started and finished at Victoria Embankment, with Nottingham's paralympic athlete Richard Whitehead and actress Vicky McClure starting the races.

The 44th half marathon took runners on a tour of some of the city's famous landmarks including Nottingham Castle, The Park Estate and Wollaton Park.

Race winners were Euan Wilson, who claimed victory in the men's race with a winning time of 1:09:32, followed closely by Philip Neilson in second place with 1:09:55, and Simon Davis finishing third.

In the women's race, Amy Lowe stormed to victory in 1:17:46, with Polly Moreland taking second place in 1:20:22 and Amelie Kaas finishing third in 1:23:40.

A bit later though, there were four particular runners crossing the finish, after deciding to take a unique approach to the race, which began in 1981, joining together as the famous children's favourite caterpillar.

Alexander D'Arcy, who was behind the costume, said the idea came from another marathon.

'Crowd was mega'

"I thought why don't we do it in Nottingham," he said. "So we ran as the Very Hungry Caterpillar, all four of us connected together.

"We put the costume on last night and ran around for a minute, and then put it on again this morning and hoped for the best.

"Shouting at each other, not letting each other stop was really important and the support from the crowd was mega.

"It was tough and a serious effort. We managed to get through it, so we're really happy."

Alexander said the team was training for a world record attempt in Frankfurt on 28 October for the fastest marathon in a four person costume.

They are raising money for Vets in the Community, a University of Nottingham charity, which provides free veterinary care to pets belonging to homeless and vulnerably housed people in the city.

Kevin Walker said the atmosphere at the half marathon was "absolutely fantastic"

Kevin Walker was another runner who completed the course, despite nursing a hamstring injury.

"I've got a trapped nerve in my hamstring," he said. "I've had it for a few weeks and had physio and acupuncture and it's been alright.

"I didn't think I was going to do the run but I was pain-free yesterday and I thought I'll give it a go.

"I'm tired and knackered but it was absolutely fantastic. It's been the best atmosphere for a long time in Nottingham.

"People shouting your name when they see your bib, see your name. They don't know who you are but it just gives that little bit of encouragement to keep going and getting through.

"Absolutely amazing, brilliant. It kept me going."

'Celebration of sport'

Several road closures and restrictions were in place along the route.

Race Director, Judith Manson, said this year had been "absolutely incredible".

"We've seen record numbers of participants, phenomenal support from our charity partners and an amazing turnout from the local community," she said.

"It's been a celebration of sport, health and togetherness - and we couldn't be prouder."