Tipton Harriers Ben Gamble was back to what he does best – racing and winning at Sunday’s (7 November) Flying Fox 10. He led the way in this penultimate race (19 out of 20) in the NSRRA 2021 programme...

A popular and scenic race, the Flying Fox 10 was a well organised event from Stone Master Marathoners (Stone MM) that attracted a good turnout from the local clubs on a dry and breezy day. There were runners targeting a PB and/or after points in this competitive league and those looking to tick off this race in their quest to become a ‘Compleat Runner’. With the latter, they need to complete all 20 to achieve this highly prized title.  

Everyone gathered in front of All Saints First School in Standon, waiting for the start at 10.30am. Ben Gamble was amongst those toeing the line, making a return to road racing after an absence of more than four years. A much liked and respected figure in the area who is also a coach and sports therapist, he had his ‘race head’ on from the word go.

Gamble surged away on quiet country lanes in a rural location, completing one small lap and one bigger one before dashing across the finish line to win the 2021 Flying Fox 10 in 53:44. Nine seconds outside his course record of 53:35. Craig Pilsbury was second in 55:07 and Peter Nimmo third in 56:03.

Looking comfortable throughout, Kelly Butler of City of Stoke AC was in dominant form as she won the women’s race in 1:03:13. Kirsty Stephenson of Stone MM finished second in 1:09:22 with Lynne Callaghan of Trentham RC third in 1:10:41. 

There was another outstanding performance on the day, from Alan Lewis of Trentham RC who set a new M80 record of 1:40:35. 

All the results can be viewed via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

‘Welcome back Ben’.

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale.