The 23rd running of the popular Hilly Run in Bratton once again had the Wiltshire Air ambulance as its nominated charity.
Race director Simon Reeves reports, “It was blessed with favourable weather, it being dry and warm with very little wind, similar to last year’s event. The entry was slightly up on last year with 114, of which 107 ran.
“This year’s winner was Ed Knudson of Avon Valley Runners, who got round in a very quick time of 40:47, which was not far off the course record. Second home was Robert Eaton of Team Bath AC in 41:09 and third place went to James Ralston of Southville Running Club in 43:17.
“The women’s race was won by Camile Cowan, who is not a running club member, in a time of 50:59, which also made her 13th overall! Second was Gemma Lawton (wife of the race winner Ed) of Avon Valley Runners in 51:34. Third was Bratton resident Jenifer Marlow of Avon Valley Runners in 52:21, a whole 5 minutes faster than her third place time of last year.
“The first of the veteran prizes, that for male vet 40, went to Pete Gilder of Swindon Striders in 48:42. The male vet 50 prize was won by Ian Dobson with a time of 54:53. While the male vet 60 class was won by Team Bath AC’s Steve Hale in a time of 51:11.
“As well as being third lady home, Jenifer Marlow of Avon Valley Runners was the first female vet 35 home in a time of 52:21. The female vet 45 category was won by Paula Farrell also of Avon Valley Runners the final vet category, the female vet 55, was won by unattached runner Rachel Criso in 79:46.
“The team prize this year was won by a new team, WRS runners, with the shields going to Jack Bottomley, Josh Chowney, Tim Ellis and Chris Salter. The ladies’ team winners were Avon Valley Runners once more, with a team of Gemma Lawton, Jen Marlow, Kate Hails and Paula Farrell.
“The shield for the first Bratton Male Resident to finish went to Danny Holdcroft with a time of 50:17. This year saw the introduction of a shield for the first Bratton Female Resident and this went to third lady Jen Marlow.
“I thank all of those who took part. But also those who volunteered to help out with organisation, with marshalling, with manning the important finish line tasks and with providing the food and drink. Special thanks once more goes to Martin Pearce, who really helped out with the social media for the event as well as being the event photographer. Also, a special thanks was given to Avon Valley Runners whose help with marshals and the finish was invaluable. Without these volunteers, the event could not take place, so their help is really valued.”
Next year’s event will take place on Saturday 9th May 2020, starting once more at 11:00.
Picture: and they’re off! by Martin Pearce.
