"You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great", goes the Chew Valley 10K motto. On a warm and humid morning, 595 runners from across the Chew Valley, Bristol, Bath, Wells, Somerset, and far beyond took on this challenging rural race on Sunday 11 June.

Bishop Sutton resident David Eagon (Bristol & West) – pictured above far left,  #270 – won for a fourth time in 35:27, closely followed by Rosie Hamilton-James (Westbury Harriers) – above right, #445 – in 37:40, who put the 2014 women’s record of 37:28 under pressure from the start.

Eagon was eager to lead from the start and ran away to victory by more than a minute from Nick Williams (Thornbury AC, 36:37) and Chris Maggs (unattached, 37:27 PB). The runners-up in the women's race were Sophie Pyke (Penny Lane Striders, 39:32 PB) and W40 Rosie McKissock (Somer AC, 42:01). There were 595 finishers in just under two hours.

Jointly sponsored by Truespeed and Winford Ford, this race raises funds for Chew Valley School and Bishop Sutton Primary School) as well as Blood Bikes NICU Support (supporting premature babies across the Southwest) and Chew Valley Plants Trees.

Encouraging fitness and health in all ages is another aim of this event, so organisers were delighted by the number of junior entries this year – 24 runners were under 18. Fastest among the juniors were Hazel Chambers (44:44) and Alfie Lismore Pope (45:28). At the other end of the age spectrum, Christopher Harrison won the over-80 group in 1:13:25.

Novices and club runners alike enjoy the Chew Valley 10K and this year entries came from many different clubs including Somer AC with 27 runners, their biggest-ever group. Meanwhile, local RunTogether group Chew Valley Snails also turned out in good numbers, including many graduating ‘Couch to 10K’ runners.

This is very much a community event as it requires an army of helpers to run the race safely, with over 70 volunteers involved directly, not counting the villagers from Hinton Blewett and Bishop Sutton who each year hang out bunting and shout encouragement to the runners. New this year was the PB Bell at the finish, which rang to celebrate many successful runners.

Denise Mellersh, Chew Valley 10K Race Director, said: “It was a great morning of running and we would like to thank everyone who entered. We are so lucky to have support from the local community and our sponsors, without whom this race would not be possible! Please follow our social media to see the event photos and Chew Valley 10K film. You can also see how money raised by this community event will be spent.”

Results and previous reports at runABC South race listing here.

More race information and links to social media at the Chew Valley 10K website here.

Photo: Photo-fit.com for Chew Valley 10K