Clowes returns home to win annual pudding race
MATT Clowes hit top form to produce a brilliant solo victory in the annual Cheddleton 10k Christmas Pudding Race.
Clowes, who now lives out of the area and runs for Cardiff AC, returned to his place of birth with a specific target in mind.
So anticipation was high as this year’s Potters ‘Arf winner was making an attempt at Clifton Bradeley’s longstanding course record of 30 minutes 42 seconds which was set in 1987 by the former international.
The gold sovereign donated by Bradeley for anyone who breaks his record was also up for grabs.
Perfect conditions and a three-lap course ensured both Clowes and the large crowd could keep track of the time.
From the gun the record challenger sped rapidly into the lead, leaving the opposition to dispute the minor spoils.
Completing the first lap in exactly 10 minutes Clowes was well clear of experienced fell runner Alastair Campbell (Buxton AC) in second place, who also held a good margin over Dean Richardson (City of Stoke AC) and Carl Moulton (Boalloy RC).
With the second lap covered by Clowes in 10.24 the record was still in sight as spectators urged the leader on and excitement mounted.
However it was not to be as the final circuit run in 10.28 brought a finishing time of 30.52, meaning the record was missed by 10 seconds, leaving Clowes having to be content with the second fastest time on the course.
Behind Clowes it was also a solo run for Campbell finishing second in 33.35 with Moulton shaking off the challenge of Richardson to take third in 34.07.
The women’s race saw Amy Neill (Newcastle AC) setting the early pace from a Trentham Running Club trio of Debbie Thomas, Mandy Vernon and Wendy Swift.
On completion of the first lap Neill had established a slight lead over Vernon and Thomas who still had ambitions of regaining contact. The penultimate circuit saw Neil turn up the heat to become in total control and look like a certain winner.
On the final lap she further increased her advantage as she stormed to a superb victory, taking her first Cheddleton title in 40.37. Vernon finished second in 41.10 with Thomas third in 41.44.
Race organiser Stan Winterton said he was pleased with the turnout and especially pleased Clowes opted to have a go at the course record.
He said: “I’m very happy with the way everything went on the day. There was a good turnout of runners and plenty people lining the streets to give them encouragement. It was nice to see Matt back where it all started for him. He ran in the Christmas Pudding fun run as a junior and progressed to the main race where his talents were spotted. He didn’t quite beat the record set by Clifton way back in 1987, but he gave it a real good go.”