RUNNERS from across Shropshire and the surrounding Welsh and English counties descended on Oswestry for the return of the Marches School 10K on Sunday.
The event made a welcome return to the calendar after two long years with the past two editions cancelled due to the global pandemic and rolling lockdown restrictions.
The entry attracted club runners from Shropshire and surrounding counties searching for a PB on a fast course, as well as many runners who were looking for a challenge by running a 10k.
All runners were well supported by friends and family who lined the streets around the course as competitive running continued its comeback after two miserable years of virtual races and meagre club activities.
Donna Morris in action.
Dry but cool conditions faced the nearly 300 runners for an early morning start and it was Oswestry Olympian Oli Blake who set the pace.
Taking control of the race from the outset, Blake established a lead that he was not going to relinquish and finishing with a superb time of 33m 25 secs to take overall race glory.
Kristen McKenna and Daniel Husbands from Shrewsbury AC completed the men’s podium places but it was Blake who went home triumphant.
The first lady home was Donna Morris from Builth and District running club who ran strongly to finish in a time of 37m 4 secs.
Oswestry Olympian Bethan Jones was second while also ending top under 21s female with Helen Harrington from Cheshire Dragons ending third.
Oli Blake in action.
The hosting club enjoyed some stellar results and dominated the podium with a host of runners claiming age grade glories to maintain their bright season.
Other selected age category winners included Aaron Warburton who was the top male under 21s runner, Richard Collins who won the men’s over 50s race, Dave Newton topped the men’s over 55s race, Viv McConnell won the women’s over 65s class and Zoe Harney won the women’s over 45s race.
All runners appeared to enjoy the event and race directors Ashling Donohue-Harrison and Ray Pickett were delighted with the positive feedback that they have received from runners and supporters and the excitement it had generated with another great race in Oswestry.
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