Previous winners victorious
With no 2020 race due to COVID-19, the Chew Valley 10k - supported by main sponsor Debbie Fortune Estate Agents - took place on a sunny Sunday September morning with just 245 runners, and sadly without the usual children’s Chew Valley 1k companion race.
Near perfect conditions saw previous winners David Eagon (34mins 58secs) and Victoria Ratcliffe (40:15) winning the mens’ and womens’ categories respectively. Local to Bishop Sutton where the event begins, Eagon (Bristol and West Athletics Club) completed the hilly course just outside his 2019 time of 33:52. Ratcliffe, from Radstock (Somer Athletics Club), almost matched her previous 2019 time of 40:03.
Local running groups were out in force alongside many club runners. In addition to the Chew Valley Snails – a local women’s running group with runners of all abilities – were the Chew Valley Slugs, a group of Bishop Sutton friends including Nick Phillips, Ted Flemming, Adrian Sims, Raj Sengupta, Chris Edwards and Simon Wake.
Bishop Sutton nurse Jane Wookey ran the 10k for the first time with friends and family in memory of her husband Mark Wookey, local builder and family man, raising funds for the
Lymphoma Research Trust. Jane’s Justgiving page will be open until October 31 at justgiving.com/fundraising/jane-wookey2.
Oldest runner Des Gillingham (83) enjoys the event to the extent that he routinely runs the course outside of race days, achieving a race time of 1:15. Youngest runner Anna Streatfield James (15) ran her first 10k with her dad Doug – achieving a personal best at 58:44.
For those unable to enter the event due to reduced numbers, the Virtual Chew Valley 10k is now open to entries. Between now and October 31 entrants can join in to complete 10km at any time, on any route, and on bike, foot (both run or walk) or a combination of both.
Last year’s virtual event was a huge success with many people entering, including lots of families who chose to complete the event together. All entrants will receive a bespoke event medal and option of a technical Chew Valley 10k t-shirt.
With no minimum age, organisers hope that it will inspire many people to get outside and active this Autumn. All details are at chewvalley10k.co.uk, entry prices start at £5.
“We were happy to see the event back in action, albeit on a much smaller scale than usual,” said race
organiser Denise Mellersh. “Each year it is such a pleasure to see how many people tackle this scenic yet challenging course – it inspires us all to get active.
“We’d like to thank our sponsors, our friendly and supportive community and the many volunteers who enable this event to take place – marshals, Bishop Sutton Pre-school for teas and cakes, local businesses and residents.”
All profits from both the actual and
virtual 2021 Chew Valley 10k are split between: Bishop Sutton Primary School Society, Chew Valley School Society, NICU Support and Lymphoma Research Trust.
Full 10km event timings can be found at the Chewvalley10k.co.uk along with a link for all entrants to download their free photo.
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