It was a case of heat, hills and happy runners at the Ipstones 5ish (Sunday 18 June). There were wins for Ben Gamble and Isabella Shaw and a heart-warming gesture by Carl Moulton that typifies the local running community.

Race 8 in the NSRRA League Programme for 2023, the Ipstones 5ish is a popular event held in the Staffordshire Moorlands which always poses a test particularly the steep climb at 4 miles.

The 2022 race took place in atrocious weather so fingers were crossed for dry conditions this time.Their prayers were answered with blue skies and sunshine and rising temperatures though perhaps not as hot as last Sunday’s Potters ‘Arf Marathon!

There was a junior fun run (up to 16 years) at 9.45am followed by the main race at 10.30am on Church Lane. At the head of the field were the Boalloy RC trio of Carl Moulton, Ashley Maughan and Dan Hibberd who finished first, second and third in last year’s race. Along with Ben Gamble, City of Stoke AC’s Ross Connor and Matt Eardley, Ben Bewley of Newcastle (Staffs) AC and Kieran Bedford of Gator AC.

Ahead of them was a course 5-ish miles in distance that consisted of mainly road apart from a trail path and grass at the finish on the Ipstones recreation ground. No torrential run and floods to deal with this time as they raced hard and fast, up and down this tricky route.

It was an outstanding run by Ben Gamble as he stormed across the finish line to win the 2023 Ipstones 5ish in 25:48. Carl Moulton followed in second place in 26:29 and Ashley Maughan third in 26:58.

There was a fine victory for Isabella Shaw of Trentham RC in the women's race clocking 31:15. Shaw's teammates, Jayne Dickens and Joanne Stanfield, finished second and third in 32:34 and 32:46 respectively.

Browse all the results via the runABC Midlands Race Listing page.

Every finisher received a medal... talking of medals... 

Men’s runner up Carl Moulton showed why he is a well liked and respected figure in the area. He presented his medal to Andy Torbitt’s son Tyler who had participated in the junior fun run, delighting the youngster and his parents who were touched by his generous spirit.

It was a successful (and sunny) Ipstones 5ish where all proceeds go to the Senior Citizens of Foxt and Ipstones.

The next NSRRA race is the Stone St Michael’s 10K on Sunday 25 June.

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).