Chieveley Primary School's Chieveley Chase makes welcome return after Covid-enforced break
Hundreds of people turned out as the Chieveley Chase made a welcome return.
The sun came out for this year’s 10th running of the 10k race, which is organised by the Chieveley Primary School PTA.
After a two-year enforced absence due to the Covid pandemic, the multi-terrain run was held around the beautiful West Berkshire countryside.
More than 150 runners took part in the main race, which set off from Chieveley village hall at 10.30am.
A children’s race, around the village hall grounds, kicked things off earlier in the morning.
Organiser Richard Deery, who was in charge for his first year, said the event had gone “really well”.
“The weather couldn’t have been better,” he added. “It takes months of planning but it was a great success.
“We raise funds for the school, but it has now become a really great village event.
“We had one runner come from Kent, which was the furthest someone travelled.
“We are planning for next year to be bigger and better.”
There was also plenty for all the hungry spectators too.
The school and Women’s Institute provided cakes for the tea and cake stall, with half of the money raised going to the school and half being donated to a Ukraine emergency relief fund.
A barbecue was also on offer and villagers were on hand to help serve the refreshments.
In the adults race the first to cross the finish line was Paul Hughes, in a time of 35.07; with Guy Watts second and Heath Bampton third.
The first female finisher in Saturday's event was Team Kennet’s Petra Kubesova, in a time of 43.06, closely followed by Newbury AC’s Edyta Wilk, with Clare Hazell in third.
Prizes were also given out to the first Chieveley male and female finishers, which this year went to Oliver Shakespeare and Lorna Morton.
Mr Deery said it had also been “inspirational” to see Alison Bosher finish the race, in a leg brace, after she was injured and airlifted to hospital just six months
ago.
Proceeds from the event go to the school parent and teacher association. The Chieveley Chase is the PTA’s second biggest fundraiser of the year.
Mr Deery also thanked all the local businesses that had helped support the event through cash donations, water supplies and prizes for the winning runners.
