Hundreds take part in Tadley Runners 10k

Almost 300 entrants set off

Hundreds of runners took to the country lanes of Baughurst recently for the Tadley Runners’ 10k race.

Now in its 21st year, the Tadley 10K has grown from fewer than 100 finishers in 1995 to nearly 300 in this year’s event, who set off from and returned to the Hurst Community College in Brimpton Road.

A single loop of 10 kilometres, the route covered quiet, pretty country lanes on the Hampshire/Berkshire border, in perfect conditions.

Toby Lambert (Winchester AC) took the lead from the start and by 2k already a lead of 100 metres.

He finished in 32.05, around a minute-and-a-half ahead of runner-up Matthew King (unattached), with Peter Watkeys (Basingstoke & Mid Hants AC) third in 36.46.

Lisa Gottwald (Chineham Park RC) crossed the line in 42.51, followed by Anna Brook (Jedwood Runners) in 43.36 and Kate Robson (Basingstoke & Mid Hants AC) in 43.53.

The 3k fun run, with its new off-road course, was enjoyed by a record 37 children and eight adults.

The overall winner was Joseph Gardner, aged 13, who finished in 13.27, while eight-year-old Eve Brown was the first girl home in 16.25.

Tadley Runners is a friendly running club, who train twice a week. For more details, visit www.tadleyrunners.co.uk.