Rothley 10k
Victory for Matharu at Rothley
JUBILANT Oliver Matharu breezed to victory in the Mattioli Woods Rothley 10k race on Tuesday night.
The Poplar Running Club pacesetter led a record field of almost 800 competitors who helped raise an estimated £20,000 for local good causes.
Although just outside his personal best, 25-year-old Oliver’s official finish time of 36.04 was 45 seconds ahead of runner-up Ben Plummer.
He said: “It was a really good race. The conditions were very warm and it took a lot out of people. But it was brilliant to be involved in such a great event which does so much good work.”
Matharu was among 797 runners to complete the 6.2-mile course as the race celebrated its 32nd year.
Its main sponsor is Mattioli Woods plc, of Grove Park, Enderby, and has been organised since its inception by the Rothley and Soar Valley Lions Club.
Among the spectators on Tuesday night were some of its original founders including Roger Foxon, Andy Selby, Guy Smithson, Roger Fawkes and Ken Preston.
Stalwart Colin Favell, a Lions club member and also involved in the race since it began, was again one of this year’s organisers.
He said: “It’s truly a community event, which benefits local charities and engages the support of many, many people from this area.
“It’s my opinion that down the years, the race has brought in more than £300,000 for worthy causes like LOROS, Vista (which supports people with sight loss), Rainbows and the county air ambulance.
“It has gradually built up over the years, but particularly since Mattioli Woods came on board. They have used their reach and influence to involve other corporate sponsors and help ensure that the overwhelming majority of the money we raise goes to charity rather than absorbing the costs of staging the event.”
Ian Mattioli MBE, chief executive officer of Mattioli Woods plc, and wife Clare were among runners pounding their way round the course in front of packed streets.
Ian, who later handed over awards to category prize winners, said: “As a company we are delighted to be associated with the event, which thanks to the support of the Lions and local running clubs has continued to go from strength to strength.
“The fact that it now has corporate sponsorship from a number of local companies means that every penny paid by competitors in entrance fees is destined to go directly to the charities the race supports. That is fantastic news for everybody concerned.”
Poplar Running Club results: Oliver Matha- ru 36:04 (first in race); Daniel Ryan 39:18; Kevin Brooks 45:25; Neil Borman 45:28; Micheal Scott 45:39; Anna Harding 48:00; Mark Purvey 48:37; Jenna Townsend 50:51; Tim Pole 54:16; Jo Reuben 56:08; Louisa Taylor 1:00:52; Guy Taylor 1:00:52; Amanda Watts 1:01:07; Andy Sweeney 1:03:59; Philip Ismail 1:06:53; Melanie Harji 1:07:18; Tony Middleton 1:10:09. Prestwold 10K - Lucy Niemz 38:43 (first lady); Daniel Ryan 40:32; Nigel Smith 44:56; Kevin Brooks 45:18; Toni Gibiino 48:05; Claire Mead 01:05:54; Kelsie Hawkridge 01:09:45; Andi Wells 01:10:49; Helen Roberts 01:15:34; Melanie Percival 01:21:07; Dean Hawkridge 01:21:14.
Shepshed Running Club results at the Rothley 10k: Jake Smith 43:43; Stuart Hunter 49:09; Stuart Taylor 49:09; Phil Cooling 50:39; Ray Draycott 56:25; Diane Arthur 1:06:48; Mike Brettle 1:06:59; Alison Bibb 1:10:36; Richard Bibb 1:10:36. Prestwold 10k - Stuart Hunter 49:46; Stuart Taylor 50:10; George Clarke 52:29; Craig Stinchcombe 58:45; Rachel Cornes 58:58; Gary Sawle 59:11; Helen Stinchcombe 1:13:12; Alison Bibb 1:14:14; Richard Bibb 1:14:16; Lynne Persse 1:16:50; and Ray Draycott, 2nd claim, 59:37. Beacon Hill Summer Solstice 5k - Dave Harley 39:46; Craig Stinchcombe 46:32; Woodhall Spar Sprint Triathlon - Emily Muddimer 1:27:42; Rachel Muddimer 1:41:04. Nottingham Midweek 5k - Dave Harley 21:14, 1st MV50.