The building industry runners did themselves proud at the 25th Windsor Half Marathon on September 24th when they reached impressive finishing times and raised in excess of £30,000 for the industry charity for the homeless, CRASH.

Celebrating the half marathon's 25th anniversary, Lord Sebastian Coe, KBE, athletics legend and Chair of the Olympics 2012 Committee, and Councillor Margaret Cubley, the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, started the race and presented the prizes to the top runners.

The event had become so popular that the organiser had to turn away runners. There were 6,000 entrants and 4,500 people crossing the finish line this year. Funds from 380 Charity Golden Bond runners plus a percentage from the general entry fees helped raise in access of £30,000 each for the two official charities – CRASH and the Prince Phillip Trust.

Said the Race Director, Peter Hier:
"The crowds this year were by far the largest ever seen at Windsor. At the top of the Long Walk it was a little like a mountain stage in the Tour De France with the spectators seeking any vantage point possible! This has now become one of the truly classic events in the British road running calendar and as always we will continue to improve the quality of the race."

Commenting on the event was Montgomery Chairman Christopher Newton, who raised the highest personal sponsorship for CRASH and signed up as Silver Sponsors with ACO Technologies:

"This is my third time taking part and I definitely recommend it! The atmosphere on the day was fantastic and the course through the Great Park was breathtaking. And it was great to be able to raise funds for CRASH and support its Hard Hat Appeal."

Also present on the day was Meica, another Silver Sponsor from the building industry. Said Ian Bolster, Engineering Manager:

"Being Silver Sponsors is important to Meica, not only as Patrons of CRASH, but it also gives our employees an opportunity to take part in the race as a team representing Meica. It is also nice to have a base for our team to recover after the event! And it becomes a family day out where we can get to know each other better."

For the Building Industry Championships, championships veteran, Arup, bagged four of the five cups – CRASH Challenge, Building Industry Male, Building Industry Female and 1st Building Male. The final award went to Price & Myers for the 1st Building Female. HRH the Duke of Edinburgh will present the trophies at an awards evening at Windsor Castle in November, which will also celebrate the half marathon's 25th anniversary.

Tom Biddlecombe, CRASH Director, concludes:
"Congratulations to the organisers for staging an excellent event, yet again! The Windsor Half Marathon has grown in popularity through the years in the running world and in particular with our supporters from the building industry. CRASH is very grateful to be one of the benefiting charities and our promise is the funds will go "out the door" to our projects that are dedicated in helping to alleviate homelessness in our society today."