Newbury 10k 2025 smashes records

newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk

Published: 05:45, 29 May 2025

THIS year’s Newbury 10k race has celebrated its biggest and most successful event to date.

The event, which is organized by the Newbury Athletic Club, sold out in February - two months earlier than last year - and attracted a record number of entries, the biggest race day attendance, and the largest amount raised for charity in the event's history.

More than 1,300 runners ranged in age from five in the junior race to 78 in the main 10k and included participants from over 56 running clubs in the local area and across the UK.

The race also attracted fundraising teams from local businesses and schools, including the teachers of St Bartholomew’s School in Newbury.

Race director and Newbury Athletics Club member, Jeff Bird, said: “Although a lot of preparation work goes on behind the scenes, we did not expect places to sell out so early – it was incredibly exciting to see. #

“It really does feel like we’ve got something special here in Newbury.”

The weather conditions were perfect for running, with clear skies and a gentle breeze – the anticipated rain held off until the race had concluded.

Taking full advantage of a dry course and freshly laid path off Speen Moors, Cameron Cass secured first place with a blazing fast time of 33:54, followed by 17-year-old Josh Norton at 34:33, and Michael Stone at 34:45.

In the female category, Gemma Jones leapt from third place in 2024 to the top spot this year with a winning time of 40:05, with Edtya Wilk and Claire Hall finishing at 41:38 and 41:45, respectively.

And 11 runners finished the race in under 36 minutes.

Other highlights included three participants – Jenny Bell, Karen Shone, and Nick Dixon – completing the race for the 15th time, every occasion that the race has taken place.

Deputy town mayor, Sarah Slack was joined by sponsors and charity representatives to present the prizes.

Around 100 local volunteers contributing to the smooth running of the event.

These included outriders from Newbury Velo, and water stations manned by the Everyone Active team from Northcroft Leisure Centre and West Berkshire Run Together.

Well-wishers and supporters turned out all around the course to cheer on the runners, including sizable crowds in Northbrook Street and the Market Place.

Sponsors included local firms Stryker, Howden Insurance, Gardner Leader, and Castle Windows, joined this year by new sponsors Gekko Marketing, Medlock Electrical Distributors, and local builder, Mark Flitton Ltd.

Mr Bird said: “Our sponsors have been incredible.

“In addition to their financial support, without exception they’ve all helped in myriad ways from donating prizes to promoting the event, from collecting equipment and goods to distributing race numbers, from the loan of race day transport to providing storage space.

“They truly contribute to the smooth running of the event.”

This year’s event smashed previous fundraising targets by 25 per cent on previous years, raising a total of more than £21,000 for local charities.

All of the profits from the 2025 races go to support the work of three West Berkshire charities: Newbury Cancer Care, Eight Bells for Mental Health, and Newbury Athletic Club.