Beautiful day for a run in the sun
Return of Pangbourne 10k proves to be a big hit
AROUND 160 runners took part in the Pangbourne 10k as it returned for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown.
Race director Gareth France said the event was a huge success and he’s already looking forward to staging an even bigger race next year.
“We had 160 runners in the end, which is really good,” he said.
“It was up on before which is a good sign and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
“The overall feel for the race was very relaxed and friendly.
“Everyone was smiling and happy; there’s been a lot of positive feedback.
“We’re now looking at how we can take it forward and make it bigger.”
The main event, which is sponsored by Strutt and Parker, is a multi-terrain race across an undulating route through Sulham Woods, that starts and ends at Pangbourne Primary School.
Crowds were able to gather on the school field to cheer the runners around the final 200m and across the finish line.
The first person across the line was Ben Sumner in a time of 39:45.05.
He was followed by William Rankin and Jonahan Snoxall, who was the first supervet (50+) to finish, in a time of 40:35.57.
Laura Nurse was the first woman to finish, in 47:01.50, with Jenny O’Connor finishing second.
Jenny was also the first female supervet – running the race 11 years after she founded it in 2010.
Lydia Godfrey was the third woman and first junior (under 18) to finish, in a time of 50:18.02.
The male vet category was won by Grahame Hale in 42:37.75, with the male masters (60+) crown taken by Alasdair Romanes, in 46:34.18.
Natalie Boehm was the first female vet to finish, in 51:47.48, with Carole Lowe (59:10.47) the first female masters.
As well as the10k run, there were a number of sprint and shorter races, around the school field for the younger participants.
A sports therapist was on hand to provide post-race massages for participants and a coffee van provided refreshments within the school grounds for spectators.
The event is run by the Friends of Pangbourne Primary School and raises much-needed funds for the school.
Organisers are still collecting sponsorship, but hope to be able to make a donation towards play equipment this year.
Speaking on behalf of Friends of Pangbourne Primary School, Angharad Bradley said it “was a great success”.
“We were very lucky with the weather,” she added. “We are still working out how much we raised but we’re really glad to have the event back on the running calendar.”