RUNNERS OUT IN FORCE FOR SONNING EVENT
MORE than 300 local runners took to the course at Sonning once again for the fourth consecutive year on Sunday.
Hosted at Berkshire County Sports Club in Sonning and starting from 8.30am, participants in the race got to take in the picturesque village of sonning and the Thames Path with one small hill from the River Thames through Bluecoats School.
Runners had the choice to take part in the 5k or 10k course, while there was also a 2k Kids Fun Run.
Race competitors included local running clubs such as Bracknell Forest Runners, Reading Athletics Club, Reading Road Runners, Shinfield Running Club Reading Joggers, Bracknell Athletics Club, Finch Coasters, Maidenhead Athletics Club, Wargrave Runners and more.
In the 5k race, Simon Bennison from Bracknell Forest Runners took pole position with a time of 18 minutes, 35 seconds.
Joshua Mckenzie from Reading Athletics Club finished just behind in second place with a time of 20 minutes, 15 seconds while third place went to Alex Stewart with 21 minutes, 35 seconds.
The highest female finisher, Grace Haldane from Reading AC finished with a time of 22 minute, 47 seconds which placed her in fourth in the overall standings.
In the 10k event, Neil
Kevern from Bracknell
Athletics Club claimed top spot with a time of 33 minutes, 44 seconds.
Andrew Stay from Finch Coasters clinched second position with a time of 37 minutes, 41 seconds.
Third spot also went to Finch Coasters as Enda Ward posted a time of 37 minutes, 55 seconds to complete the top three.
The strongest female finisher in the 10k was Vicki Taylor from Finch Coasters who recorded a time of 40 minutes, seven seconds.
Thom Sharp finished first in the Kids Fun Run, while Matilda Brewer-Curran and Alice Haldane from Reading Athletics Club both made the top six.
Race organiser Ellie Barnes said: “Now in its fourth year, Sonning 5km, 10km and the Kids Fun Run was a great success with more than
300 local Reading runners attending the event along with those from further afield.
“With three distances to choose from, there was something for everyone.
“Berkshire County Sports Club laid on free bacon rolls for every finisher which was most welcomed by all especially after running up the small hill from Thames Footpath to Bluecoats School.
“We’re very grateful to all the event sponsors for getting behind and supporting the event with 100% energy.”