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Thousands take part in Birmingham Marathon

News imageBBC Marathon runnersBBC
Marathon runners started the event at Alexander Stadium

Thousands of runners took to the streets of Birmingham for the city's first marathon in more than 30 years.

A combined 22,000 people were completing the Birmingham International Marathon and half marathon on Sunday.

It is the first 26.2-mile event in the city since the People's Marathon, which was held between 1980 and 1985.

The first runner over the line was Chris Ashford, from Harborne, Birmingham, who finished in just over two and a half hours.

News imageMarathon runners
It is the first 26.2 mile event in the city for 30 years

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Marathon runners started from Alexander Stadium, the home of British Athletics, before finishing in the city centre.

News imageBlind Dave Heeley with a runner and Liz McColgan
West Bromwich marathon runner "Blind Dave" Heeley, left, and Olympian Liz McColgan were among those supporting the event
News imageMarathon runners
A combined 22,000 people were competing in the marathon and half marathon events
News imageMarathon runners
Runners line up for the event

Mr Ashford said he was pleased to win in his hometown, in a time of 2:33:55.

He said: "To win at my home competition is absolutely fantastic. The crowd has been fantastic support.

"I've done the half marathon the last couple of years so to win the first Birmingham International Marathon, I'm so pleased."

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News imageParticipants running through Digbeth
Half marathon participants running through Digbeth