Coltherd claims victory at Rothley 10k road race
TEACHER Michael Coltherd proved a class above as he swept to victory on a record-breaking night for the Mattioli Woods Rothley 10k road race.
He came home in a winning time of 32.59, ahead of the largest ever field of runners in the 33-year history of the annual charity event.
In humid conditions, nearly 1,300 competitors took on the challenging course on Tuesday night (June 12) easily surpassing the previous highest total of 780 set just 12 months ago.
Hard-working officials of the Rothley and Soar Valley Lions, who again put on the race, estimate it to have raised up to £25,000 for local charities – another record set on the night.
“It’s amazing how the event has gone from strength to strength, but particularly so since Mattioli Woods became our headline sponsor,” said joint race manager Colin Favell.
“This year, the company’s promotion of the race was hugely effective. The decision to get Leicester Tigers involved in the publicity was a masterstroke.”
Barrow Runners member Michael Coltherd finished 24 seconds ahead of second-placed Kevin Farrow, of Derby Athletic Club.
Simon Allen, of Owls Athletic Club, Leicester, was third in 35.29. Amber Lester was the first woman to cross the line, in a time of 37.40.
Michael, number 2023 on the night, only entered the race the previous day as he looks to make his way back into running after a 10-year break.
The 35-year-old, who lives in Barrow on Soar, said: “It’s my first time here. The course was quite hilly and testing in parts, but the atmosphere was electric. It’s been a brilliant night”.
Ian Mattioli MBE, chief executive officer and cofounder of Mattioli Woods plc, took part alongside wife Clare.
He said: “It was a brilliant event. There was a great spirit among the runners. They were talking, chatting and, most of all, encouraging each other to get to the finish line.
“As a company which started out in Leicester, we’re extremely proud to be the race’s main sponsor. We pay for the event, but because so many other very generous sponsors and associate sponsors have got involved it now means all entry fees go directly to charity – that’s a fantastic achievement”.
Organisations to benefit include Rainbows, LOROS, the county air ambulance service, Age UK, Eye Camps and RLNI.
Results: Poplar RC: Daniel Ryan 37:27, Joshua Smith 38:04, Alex Coleman 39:22, Lee Dawson 39:25, Mathew Wells 40:49, Paul Wooldridge 41:27, Nicola Stevenson 43:05, Rebecca Holmes 44:38, Kirsty Dale 45:14, Neil Borman 45:28, Neil Bayliss 45:58, Simon Jarvis 46:49, Anna Harding 48:10, John Unwin 48:20, Kevin Brooks 48:25, Mark Purvey 49:08, Ian Bentley 52:07, Jo Reuben 54:59, Andi Wells 55:26, Ali Allan 56:28, Andy Brown 56:29, Alan Waite 58:25, Gillian Adams 58:09, Jenna Townsend 59:13, Tracey Sims 59:35, Ryan Sharp 62:07, Lisa Emery 61:47, Tony Middleton 62:52, Emma Hayes 62:30, Philip Ismail 62:40, Chantell Poxon 62:58, Mark Swift 63:52, Paul Charlesworth 69:33, Emily Shackleton 73:54, Elizabeth Morgan-Jones 74:04, Dawn Tobin 74:45, Melanie Percival 76:15. (Poplar Ladies took the crown for 1st place Ladies team). Shepshed Running Club: Ian Benskin 38:46, Richard Bibb 48:14, Stuart Hunter 48:23, David Gavin 48:54, John Moore 49:20 2nd claim, April Clough 49:30, Paul Tebbut 50:30, Gary Sawle 57:38, Matt Chambers 58:43, Kelly Allard 58:47, Ray Draycott 59:03, Lee Chambers 65:05, Zoe Heath 67:19, Sue Grimes 83:13, Ruth Moir 83:14, Alison Bibb 83:42.