Lee Gratton went in hot pursuit of the course record at Sunday’s (10 July) Cheadle 4, speeding away from the rest of the field despite the heat. He and Kelly Butler were the winners at this short and sharp race with the big hill to test fitness and stamina levels. 

Around 140 runners gathered in sweltering temperatures at the recreation ground in Cheadle for this long standing favourite and Race 10 in the NSRRA Programme 2022. A Junior Fun Run took place at 10am then everyone lined up on the road outside the ground waiting for the race to start at 10.30am. 

Off they went with Lee Gratton taking an early lead that he held on to throughout the race. He pushed the pace along the first mile, up the long climb that is Freehay Road and down the other side before readying himself for a sprint across the line in the recreation ground.

The Rugeley Runners athlete was fast, finishing in 20:22 but just missed out on the course record of 19:55 held by Birchfield Harrier Rob Deakin. Potters ‘Arf Marathon champion Carl Moulton finished second in 21:39 followed by City of Stoke AC’s Ross Connor in 22:21. 

Another in-form champion, Kelly Butler of City of Stoke AC added the Cheadle 4 to her growing tally, becoming the women’s winner in 25:32. A strong performance by Deborah Thomas of Trentham RC saw her take second in 26:14 with Stoke FIT’s Amanda Kelly third in 26:43. 

The last runner finished in 51:59. 

Check out all the results via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

The bottle of beer (or water) at the finish was just what the doctor ordered after tackling the hill in hot weather. There were prizes for the top three men and women and age group winners and Moorland Pottery mugs for NSRRA group winners.  

Organisers Cheadle RC thanked everyone involved in making the race a success. See you in 2023!  

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).