The event was a warm-up for next year when the city will stage the International Association of Athletics Federations World Half-Marathon Championships.

 

The race was won by Salford's Andi Jones (pictured), who collected £1,000 after crossing the line first in 65min 42sec.

 

The women's event was won by Ethiopian-born Birhan Dagne, who now represents Britain, in 77:40.

 

Mike Whitby, the leader of Birmingham City Council, attended the event and was delighted with its success.

 

He said: “The first ever EDF Energy Birmingham Half-Marathon has been a resounding success and to have nearly 9,000 people entered in the event in the first year is wonderful.

 

"There was such a friendly atmosphere and the crowds on Broad Street in particular were amazing.

 

"This event has certainly put Birmingham on the road running map.

 

“We are now looking forward to staging the World Half-Marathon Championships next year and we hope that next year’s EDF Energy Birmingham Half-Marathon will attract thousands more runners. 

 

Ray Wiltshire, the head of sponsorship, PR and events for EDF Energy said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of the inaugural EDF Energy Birmingham Half-Marathon, the Race Against Climate Change."

 

EDF Energy, the sustainability partner of London 2012, used the event to help promote their commitment to tackling climate change and plans to cut the carbon intensity of its electricity production by 60 per cent by 2020.

 

Wiltshire said: “It is great that out of the 7,000 runners that took part over 25 per cent have joined the 2012 Carbon Challenge.

 

"As well as helping to make the event as sustainable as possible they have also pledged to reduce their carbon foortprint by a tonne by 2012.

 

“Based on the excellent organisation of today’s event by Birmingham City Council we are convinced the event will go from strength to strength over the next few years.”