Andrew storms the Castle to win 10K

Runner returns to chalk up first win since 2005

FORMER Newbury Athletics Club favourite Andrew McLeod returned from his home in Germany to win the annual Highclere 10K run over the Castle grounds.

Almost 300 runners took part, including Lord Carnarvon, and McLeod saw them all off to pull clear after six kilometres and hit the tape in 35 minutes 06 seconds to win a race in which he last competed in 2005.

He finished 18 seconds clear of James Craggs with Readin Road Runners’ Douglas Kelly third in 36.36.

Craggs led Newbury to the team award, alongside Matt Pembroke, Steve Elsmere and Jeff Bird.

Newbury also scored a comprehensive one-two-three in the women’s contest which was won by 17-year old Izzy Fry in 41.14 on her 10k debut. She finished ahead of team-mates Jess Franklin in 41.59 and Yaz Ryder in 42.57.

The accompanying junior fun run saw Rory Mitchell clock the fastest time of 6 minutes 57 seconds and also headed the under 16 group. The other age groups winners were: under 16 girls - Emma Downie 8.02; under 14 girls - Lucie Robertson 7.28; under 14 boys - George Ferguson 7.01; under 12 girls - Josie Robertson 7.15; under 12 boys - Josh Hatton 7.55; under 10 girls - Clementine Barry 9.00; under 10 boys - Jacob Woods 8.13.

The event benefited the Multiple Sclerosis Society and was sponsored by CDK Global.