RUNNERS from across the county got on their marks and set for the popular annual Crowle Gunpowder Plot 10k and two family fun runs.
This year’s event on Sunday (May 8) saw 555 runners enter the 10k with top runners from the three counties and beyond taking to the roads on what was one of the hottest days of the year.
A record 44 10k runners were from the parish and 181 young runners took part in the one mile and quarter mile races around the village playing field.
Proceeds from the event are still being calculated, but are likely to top £6,500, which will go towards a wide range of local causes to improve social, educational and sporting facilities in the parish.
Worcester’s Black Pear Joggers did well in the 10k, with the club’s Ian Radford taking first place in 35 minutes 35 seconds followed by Paul Childs in second and Alex Parker from Birchfield Harriers in third.
Unattached club runner Jane Evans took overall first place in the women’s race with a time of 37 minutes 31 seconds followed by Helen Hawkes from Amazing Feet Running Club and Sally Dring (unattached).
The fastest male runner from the local Bowbrook Parish for a second successive year was unaffiliated runner John Purves in a time of 44.19.
More than one hundred young runners took part in the two fun runs with Hayden Smy taking the honours in the under 16s mile.
Hayden came home ahead of his brother Cameron while George Bessant rounded out the top three.
In the girls’ under 16s mile the winner was Estella Preedy who came second in the race last year while Ellen Staniforth came second and Katherine Burgess finished third.
In the quarter mile fun run, the boy’s race was won by Findlay McGill with Matthew Bailey second, and Matthew Dodds in third.
The girls’ quarter mile was won by Isobelle Tanner with Evie Darling in second and Ailsa Preedy third.
Caroline Brookes, co-organiser of the event with Ali McIndoe said: “We are delighted with the turn out for the 10k and fun runs and many thanks to everyone who supported the event, especially on such a hot day.
“Some 80 residents of Crowle come together each year to make it happen and we are very grateful also for all the sponsors who provide gifts and donations,” she added.
Visit www.crowle-online.co.uk for all of the results from the 10k race.
