MORE than 100 runners took part in Westbury Lions’ sixth 10k run recently and helped to raise £1,000 for charity.
The event took place on Sunday 9th October at the White Horse Country Park.
114 athletes set off from the country park on a sunny morning before running ten kilometres through the Westbury countryside and finishing back at the golf course.
The day was hailed another triumph by the club.
Race organiser and former Lions president Nigel Coward said, “The race went very well! We had another excellent turnout and raised over £1,000 which is certainly worthwhile.
“We’ve had positive feedback from the runners again; people tell us they like the route and the friendly atmosphere. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, and we want people to have a bit of fun and look out for each other. I think that’s why the race is popular, and we do see a lot of familiar faces coming back each year, which makes it a bit of a social gathering as well. It suggests we’re doing something right!”
The race was won by Jerry Rayner, from Frome Running Club, who finished the course in 37:34. Jerry was followed closely by Avon Valley Runners’ Adam Robbins in 37:43, then by Gary Hughes from Team Bath, who won the male veterans’ category in 38:11.
Karen Hacker was the first woman to finish, in a speedy 40:01 and sixth place overall. Karen recorded the second fastest women’s time in the history of the race.
Judy Schols carried the torch for the female veterans category, finishing in 50:55 and 38th place overall.
“The race is definitely a permanent fixture now,” added Nigel. “We’re lucky to be very well supported by Westbury Running Group and Avon Valley Runners, and we’re pleased to be seeing over 100 people getting involved. As long as people keep coming we’ll keep doing it.
“As well as being enjoyable, the 10k makes a considerable contribution to fundraising for our welfare fund. We need people’s support at events like these to help us to help the local community.
“We’ll definitely be going again next year, and we’d love to see even more people taking part!”
