Nearly a hundred runners gathered in Bratton for the 18th Happy Valley Hilly Run on Saturday 10th May.
The 11.4km course started at the Jubilee Hall in the village and covered challenging hilly terrain. Peter Veleski won the race with a time of 0.45.52 whilst Dianne Herr was the first woman across the line in 0.53.57. Both are from Westbury and run with Avon Valley Runners. Pete Slade (AVR) came second with a time of 0.47.59 and James Sharland came third crossing the line in 0.48.29 (unattached).
Simon Reeves, one of the organisers said, “It went very well this year with people coming from all over, including one visitor from America. We were lucky that the rain held off and nearly everyone managed to stay dry. Lots of people turned out in Bratton and there was a very good atmosphere.
“A donation from the hilly run will be made to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.”
Bratton Hilly runner Kathy Kinsey, from Avon Valley Runners said, “Bratton Hilly race is such a happy event, I love it. The hills seem to get a bit steeper each year though… funny that! It is good prep for some Cornish coastal and Cotswold hills ahead.”
The run has always been a key event in Bratton’s annual calendar and was founded by the late Roger Broberg to raise money for the school.
This year, The Duke at Bratton held a hog roast and mini beer festival to coincide with the hilly run, whilst year 5 and 6 pupils from Bratton Primary School ran a mini race. Refreshments and a table top sale were also available.
The run is organised by the Bratton Jubilee Hall management committee and is open to runners over 16. Next year’s event will take place on Saturday 9th May (2015).
