The cyclists and disabled racers set off from Park Road West at 9.15 and 9.20am. By 9.30am the relay racers were heading for their changeovers and the full and half marathon had begun.  | | Relief at crossing the finish line |
One 13 mile lap of the course took the competitors through Chapel Ash, along Newhampton Road West, Oxley Moor Road, Wobaston Road, Pendeford Mill Lane, Codsall Road, and the Tettenhall Road. The two lap full marathon was won by Adri Hartveld, a 45 year old physiotherapist from Stoke-on-Trent. He ran for approximately two hours and 46 minutes. Adri designed and made the training shoes that he wore during the race. He won, despite running for an extra half mile, after being given incorrect directions.  | | Adri crossing the finishing line first |
"I've used this to test my prototype running shoes." Adri said, once he'd crossed the finishing line. "We've [Adri and the Biomechanics department at Staffordshire University] invented a new running shoe. It makes you run with a bounce and not with a bang. I'm the inventor. "The shoe is designed to reduce injuries and increase enjoyment of running. We're looking for an investor to have them made, to make them available for everybody.  | | Minutes from the finish line |
"They enabled me to train for about 70 miles per week. Usually at my age I could only train for 30 miles per week. It enabled me to beat the younger guys." Ruth Watchorn-Rice won the women's full marathon. She ran for approximately three hours and 15 minutes. Denise and Tom Rogers also ran in the marathon, they are members of the North Staffs Road Runners and the Norton Caines Running Club. Tom looked tired, and was sitting at the side of the road. At first, he didn't seem so sure why he'd taken part.  | | Ruth Watchorn-Rice |
"It's madness." he said. "But it's a challenge." continued Denise. "There's a community of runners. We train together. Once you've got 20 miles into your legs a month before a marathon, you're fine." "So it's constructive madness." said Tom. Thousands of spectators and supporters, some with banners, lined the streets of Wolverhampton and thronged around the finishing line in West Park.  | | Denise and Tom Rogers |
The park hosted stalls and entertainment including a bouncy castle and a BBC WM stage. Neil Kendrick is the Wolverhampton City Marathon treasurer:
"This year there's more runners and cyclists taking part, bigger crowds and more stalls than last year. We're hoping to raise at least £10,000 for charity.
 | | Neil Kendrick |
"It's been better than ever." The 2005 marathon is supporting the Mayor's Charity Fund, The Haven Wolverhampton, B2A (Believe to Achieve) and the Shropshire Deaf Children's Society. | 
