Runners complete 'Rocky steps' half marathon

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.

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!"

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.

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