Chichester’s new-look 10k is a winner – in tough conditions
Runners in the new-look Chichester 10k overcame testing conditions to deliver a fantastic race.
They faced strong winds and torrential rain sweeping across Goodwood on a wintry Sunday morning. But more than 500 finished as the first renewal of the annual race under new management was voted a success.
Numbers were significantly down on previous years’ Rotary Club-organised Chichester Priory 10ks but this event has given new organisers Runbase Events something to build on. Race director Gavin Stephens said: “We faced a bit of everything weather-wise on race day.
“Despite the conditions there was a particularly fine performance by Tessa McCormick (Vale Royal) to win the female race in a PB 34:46.
“There was a great battle in the men’s race with Joshua Grace (Aldershot & Farnham) holding off a fast-finishing Jack Woods (Worthing & District) to win in 30:45.
“While numbers were significantly down on pre-Covid levels, our main objective was to bring quality running back to the Chichester calendar. The feedback from runners has been incredibly strong, and the organising team would like to extend our thanks to everyone who helped deliver a successful event.”
Although a number of elite runners who had entered did not attend, perhaps put off by the forecast rain and gales, it was an absorbing event.
Things soon hotted up at the front with Grace, one of the prerace favourites, leading.
Close on his heels were a pack of half a dozen with Ben Brown of Southampton AC and Worthing’s Woods looking strong.
Going out on to the roads after 3k, there were half a dozen within striking distance of the leader. Not too far back were the leaders in the women’s race with McCormick ahead of Emily Ruane from City of Norwich and Portsmouth’s Cassie Thorp.
Less than two miles was on public roads and in no time the leaders were racing into the Goodwood circuit for their final lap of just under 4k.
Grace still had the lead but Woods was chasing with Brown clear third.
These three held their positions until the end with Grace crossing in 30min 45sec, Woods just a couple of seconds back and Brown also under the 31 minute barrier.